A criminal record can follow you long after a case is resolved—affecting your ability to find a job, rent housing, apply to school, or even volunteer. If you’ve ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime in Colorado, you might be wondering if you can get your record expunged. The answer depends on your age, the type of offense, and the outcome of your case.
In Colorado, only certain records can be “expunged,” while others may be eligible for “record sealing.” Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct legal meanings. At Lee E. Christian Law in Fort Collins, we help clients clear their records so they can move forward with their lives. Below, we explain who qualifies for expungement in Colorado and how the process works.
Expungement refers to the complete removal of a criminal record, as if the offense never occurred. When a record is expunged, it is erased from public access and is generally not available to law enforcement, courts, or background checks. However, Colorado law only allows true expungement in very limited circumstances, typically involving juvenile or underage offenses. Most adult criminal records—especially for convictions—are only eligible for sealing, which limits public access but doesn’t delete the record entirely.
To learn how we help clients in Fort Collins navigate both expungement and record sealing, visit our page on Colorado expungement and sealing.
In general, you may qualify for expungement in the following scenarios:
If you were under 18 when the offense occurred, you may be eligible to have your juvenile record expunged. Common eligibility requirements include:
Some serious juvenile offenses—such as violent felonies or sex crimes—may not qualify.
If you were convicted of underage drinking and driving (not a standard DUI), and it was your first offense, you may be eligible for expungement after completing all sentencing requirements.
If you were arrested but never charged, or if your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you might qualify to have your record sealed—even though it’s not technically an expungement. Important: Colorado law changed in 2022 to make it easier to seal dismissed and acquitted cases, sometimes automatically.
While some juvenile and underage records qualify, most adult criminal convictions cannot be expunged. Instead, you must look into whether the record can be sealed. Records that typically cannot be expunged or sealed include:
Each case is unique, so it's essential to consult an attorney to determine your eligibility based on the specific facts of your case.
This is one of the most common questions we hear from clients. Here's a basic comparison:
| Expungement | Record Sealing |
| Record is completely erased | Record is hidden from public but still exists |
| Typically for juveniles or minor underage offenses | May apply to some adult convictions |
| Not accessible to law enforcement or courts | Still visible to law enforcement, some government agencies |
Both options serve to protect your privacy and give you a better chance at moving on with your life. The main difference is how thoroughly the record is removed from visibility.
If you believe you qualify for expungement, here’s what the general process looks like:
Having an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side during this process can help ensure everything is filed correctly and that you’re advocating for the best outcome.
Even if your case was dismissed or happened years ago, a criminal record can limit your opportunities. Employers, landlords, schools, and even licensing agencies often run background checks. Getting your record expunged or sealed:
This process doesn’t just clean up your past—it opens doors for your future.
Figuring out whether you qualify for expungement or record sealing in Colorado can be confusing—but you don’t have to do it alone. At Lee E. Christian Law, we’ve helped countless clients in Fort Collins clear their records and reclaim their futures.
If you think you might be eligible to expunge or seal your criminal record, contact us today for a confidential consultation. We'll help you understand your options, navigate the process, and move forward with confidence.
