Contact Us
    Contact Us

    Please use the contact form to send us an email - and receive a response within 12 hours.

    Emergency? Call 720-220-2277 (24/7)







    Map To Our Office
    Read Out Blog
    Case Evaluation
    Charged With A Crime?

    A Handbook On Colorado Adult Expungement and Sealing Criminal Record Laws

    By H. Michael Steinberg – Colorado Criminal Record Sealing – Expungement Lawyer – Attorney

    Colorado Adult Expungement and Sealing Criminal Record Laws

    Colorado Adult Expungement and Sealing Criminal Record Laws

    A Handbook On Colorado Expungement and Sealing Criminal Record Laws would not be complete unless it details the many and varied laws – updated as recently as 2013 – that apply in this complex area of Colorado Criminal Law.

    Colorado Criminal Law Eases The Pain Of Colorado Criminal Records

    For the last several years – the Colorado State Legislature has acted to reduce the impact of criminal records on the live of Colorado citizens.  To understand how these laws may apply to you – you must start with YOUR specific situation. This article is intended to address all of the changes to date – but the laws are still changing – almost yearly – and H. Michael Steinberg recommends you constantly check to see if the laws apply to you.

    Colorado Adult Expungement and Sealing Criminal Record Laws – The Analysis Of Your Criminal History – Do You Have A Chance At Sealing Your Record?

    You must start the process of learning whether YOUR criminal record is sealable.

    Four Questions:

    1. Was your case completely dismissed – that means were ALL charges dismissed either after a trial (acquittal, by the judge, or by the DA)?

    2. If the answer to number 1 is NO – then were you convicted of a drug related offense? If the answer is again – no – then it is likely your case cannot be sealed. Colorado law requires that all of the individual charges be dismissed before a case is eligible to be sealed.

    But there are TWO CATEGORIES that are exceptions to this rule.

    Section  A – Drug Crime Convictions.

    Section  B – Petty Offense or Municipal Code (City) Convictions.

    Category – The Most Common Petition To Seal – Expunge – The Completely Dismissed Case

    If you venture to the Colorado State Website – you will find forms and instructions on how to seal your completely dismissed case.  To take advantage of these laws – you must fit into one of the following categories.

    Dismissed Cases – Sub – Category a: All charges were dismissed or you were acquitted of all charges. This includes any cases where you successfully completed a deferred sentence or deferred prosecution or a Colorado Diversion (LINK) program pursuant to §18-1.3-101, C.R.S.

    Dismissed Cases – Sub – Category b: Charges were never filed, the record is the result of an arrest and booking only and the applicable Colorado statute of limitations has expired and charges can no longer be filed.

    Dismissed Cases – Sub Category c: You had more than one Colorado criminal case and the case you are seeking to seal now was dismissed as a result of a “global” plea deal. (“global” means where one case was either not filed or filed and then dismissed for a plea in a second case) .. AND MORE THAN 10 YEARS have passed since the case was concluded AND no new charges have been filed against you.  and you have had no additional criminal charges.

    Exceptions To The Completely Dismissed Cases Category

    Colorado Criminal Law ALWAYS has exceptions.  Even if your case was completely dismissed -you will NOT qualify to seal your records if:

    You have been convicted of a crime in which the facts involve unlawful sexual behavior as defined by C.R.S. §16-22-102(9);    OR…

    You still owe restitution, fines, court costs, late fees, or other fees ordered by the Court;

    OR…

    The offense pertains to a class 1 or class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, or to a class A or class B traffic infraction, or a conviction for a violation of DUI or DWAI. (BUT see the law pertaining to sealing DUI/DWAI cases below)

    Some Basic Rules Applicable To ALL Petitions To Seal

      • A Civil Action – As in ALL Petitions to Seal – the filing is considered a civil action and it is filed in the county in which the criminal conviction record is filed.
      • Courts, law enforcement and criminal justice agencies always have access to your file as they are not destroyed as in a “true” expungement.
      • On the other hand, while certain government agencies have access to the records – anyone else –  other than a criminal justice agency receives the response if the record is sealed  “no such record exists with respect to such person”.

    Category II – Colorado Drug Crime Convictions -24-72-308.5

    Some Basic Rules Preparatory To Understanding This Category

    The Petition to Seal may only be filed in an individual case once every twelve-month period.

    All Counts Within The Case Must Be Sealable – If you have been convicted of more than one “count” – (a count is a criminal charge) in a single case, the conviction records may be sealed ONLY IF the records of every conviction resulting from that single case may also be sealed pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes under 24-72-308.6, and 308.9. All of the charges in the case must be “sealable” under this category.

    Cannot Owe Costs, Fines or Restitution – At the time of the filing of the Petition to Seal, you cannot owe restitution, fines, court costs, late fees, or other fees ordered by the Court….  unless the court has waived or vacated the order to pay such fines, fees, costs or restitution.

    Easily Unsealed: Unlike sealed, “completely dismissed, non-conviction” records – if you succeed in sealing convictions in this category, the conviction is not truly “vacated.” If you are later convicted in another crime, a judge, on his or her own motion OR upon the motion of any prosecuting attorney, can have the order to seal the conviction record UNSEALED.

    Paying The DA’s Costs: Again, unlike the “completely dismissed” category, The DA can charge you for all reasonable attorney fees and costs relating to the petition to seal – these costs must be paid prior to the entry of an order sealing the conviction records.

    Files Are Always Available To Law Enforcement: The files are not destroyed, and as noted, criminal justice agencies, or DA’s have access to the files for any lawful purpose relating to the investigation or prosecution of any case will always have access to the file.

    Category II – Colorado Drug Crime Convictions  – The Time Line Of Eligibility – You Need To Know Your Conviction’s “Classification

    Sealing Colorado Drug Crimes next turns on the date of the conviction.  Here there are two sets of requirements to be eligible. Pre – July 11, 2011 convictions and Post July 11, 2011 convictions.

    If your Colorado Controlled Substance Convictions Was Entered ON OR AFTER July 1, 2011, (24-72-308.6, C.R.S.), then you qualify to have that conviction sealed IF:

    Petty Offenses and Class 2 or 3 Misdemeanors Drug Crimes:  If your offense is a petty offense or a class 2 or 3 misdemeanor in article 18 of title 18, C.R.S., or a Level 2 or Level 3 drug misdemeanor occurring on or after October 1, 2013, the petition may be filed three years after the later of the date of the final disposition of all criminal proceedings against you or your release from supervision concerning a criminal conviction.

    Class 1 Misdemeanor Drug Crimes:  If the offense is a class 1 misdemeanor in article 18 of title 18, C.R.S., or a Level 1 drug misdemeanor occurring on or after October 1, 2013, the petition may be filed five years after the later of the date of the final disposition of all criminal proceedings against you or your release from supervision concerning a criminal conviction.

    Class 5 or 6 Felony Drug Crimes:  If the offense is a class 5 felony or class 6 felony drug possession offense described in section 18-18-403.5, (as it existed prior to October 1, 2013, or 18-18-404, C.R.S., or 18-18-405, C.R.S., as it existed). Here, the petition may be filed seven years after the later of the date of the final disposition of all criminal proceedings against you or your release from supervision concerning a criminal conviction.

    EXCEPTION – NOTE THIS – You are NOT Eligible If the conviction was for the Sale, Manufacturing Or Dispensing of a Controlled Substances or for Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Dispense or Sell a Controlled Substance or Attempts to commit those crimes.

    ALL Other Felony Drug Offenses Not Listed Above

    If you do NOT fall into any of the above categories then the following requirements apply to you:

    If you have been convicted for any other crime under article 18 of title 18, C.R.S., or other felony drug offenses occurring on or after October 1, 2013, your petition may be filed:

    Ten years after the later of the date of the final disposition of all criminal proceedings against you or your release from supervision concerning a criminal conviction.

    And

    You have not been charged or convicted for a criminal offense in the ten or more years since the date of the final disposition of all criminal proceedings or the date of your release from supervision, whichever is later.

    If your Colorado Controlled Substance Convictions Was Entered BEFORE July 1, 2011, (24-72-308.6, C.R.S.), then you qualify to have that conviction sealed IF:

    Your drug crime occurred before July 1, 2011 all of the requirements above apply AND the DA has the right to stop the petition by simply objecting with or without a good reason.  (Unbelievable when you think that the older drug crime convictions should be more “sealable” as a matter of common sense.. But there it is.)

    Category III – Sealing Colorado Petty Crimes – Offenses and ALL Municipal or “City” Code Violations – 24-72-308.9, C.R.S.

    Effective on May 24, 2013 – The Colorado State Legislature enacted a new and important law – for the first time minor convictions such as those for petty offenses and municipal violations may also be sealed.  Here are the requirements – they are simple:

    1. The petition is filed three or more years after the date of the final disposition of all criminal proceedings against you or the date of your release from supervision concerning a criminal conviction, whichever is later;

    AND

    2. You have not been charged or convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, or misdemeanor traffic offense in the three or more years since the date of the final disposition of all criminal proceedings against you or the date of your release from supervision, whichever is later;

    AND

    3. The conviction records to be sealed are not for a misdemeanor traffic offense committed either by a holder of a commercial learner’s permit or a commercial driver’s license, as defined in section 42-2-402, C.R.S., or by the operator of a commercial motor vehicle as defined in section 42-2-402,C.R.S.

    Colorado Adult Expungement and Sealing Criminal Record Laws

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: H. Michael Steinberg – Email The Author  – A Denver Colorado Sealing – Expungement Criminal Defense Lawyer  – or call his office at 303-627-7777 during business hours – or call his cell if you cannot wait and need his immediate assistance – 720-220-2277.

    If you are charged with A Colorado crime or you have questions about Colorado Adult Expungement and Sealing Criminal Record Laws, please call our office. The Law Offices of H. Michael Steinberg, in Denver, Colorado, provide criminal defense clients with effective, efficient, intelligent and strong legal advocacy. We can educate you and help you navigate the stressful and complex legal process related to your criminal defense issue.

    Over 40 Years Specializing in Colorado Criminal LawH. Michael Steinberg, is a Denver, Colorado criminal defense lawyer with over 40 years of day to day courtroom experience – specializing in Colorado Criminal Law along the Front Range. He will provide you with a free initial case consultation to evaluate your legal issues and to answer your questions with an honest assessment of your options. Remember, it costs NOTHING to discuss your case.  Call now for an immediate free phone consultation.

    Helping Clients To Make Informed Decisions In the Defense of Colorado Criminal Cases.

    Contact A Lawyer with Three Decades of Experience as a Denver Criminal Attorney at The Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Law Firm Today.

    Colorado Defense Lawyer H. Michael Steinberg provides solid criminal defense for clients throughout the Front Range of Colorado – including the City and County courts of Adams County, Arapahoe County, City and County of Boulder, City and County of Broomfield, City and County of Denver, Douglas County, El Paso County – Colorado Springs, Gilpin County, Jefferson County, Larimer County, and Weld County,.. and all the other cities and counties of Colorado along the I-25 Corridor… on cases involving … Colorado Adult Expungement and Sealing Criminal Record Laws.


    Other Articles of Interest:

    If you found the information provided on this webpage to be helpful, please click my Plus+1 button so that others may also find it.

    ___________________________
    H. Michael Steinberg Esq.
    Attorney and Counselor at Law
    The Colorado Criminal Defense Law Firm of H. Michael Steinberg
    A Denver, Colorado Lawyer Focused Exclusively On
    Colorado Criminal Law For Over 40 Years.
    The Edward Building
    8400 East Prentice Ave, Penthouse 1500
    Greenwood Village, Colorado, 80111
    E-Mail:  [email protected]
    Primary Web Site:  http://www.HMichaelSteinberg.com
    Colorado Criminal Law Blog:  www.Colorado-Criminal-Lawyer-Online.com
    Main:  303.627.7777
    Cell:  720.220.2277
    24/7 Pager:  303.543.4433
    FAX (Toll Free):  1.877.533.6276
    Always investigate a lawyer's qualifications and experience before making a
    decision to retain that lawyer or, for that matter, any professional ...in any field.