Sealing or expunging a criminal record in Colorado

When Can a Colorado Criminal Record Be Sealed? 

Colorado law allows many criminal records to be sealed. Some cases may be eligible immediately, while others require a waiting period after the case is completed. 

The rules depend on the exact charge, the outcome of the case, the date of the case, and other factors. The information below is a general guide.

Cases That May Be Eligible for Sealing Right Away

Some records may be eligible for sealing without a traditional waiting period, including:

• Cases that were dismissed

• Cases resulting in an acquittal

• Cases where charges were never filed

• Many successfully completed deferred judgments

If your case was dismissed or you successfully completed a deferred judgment, it may be worth checking your record now rather than assuming you have to wait.

General Waiting Periods for Other Eligible Cases

For cases that require a waiting period, Colorado law generally uses different timelines depending on the type and level of offense.

These waiting periods are a general overview only. The actual waiting period and eligibility rules may depend on the exact offense, case disposition, date of conviction, criminal history, and the specific Colorado law that applies.

Many Misdemeanors and Felonies May Qualify

A criminal conviction does not automatically mean your record can never be sealed.

Many misdemeanor convictions may qualify for sealing. Many felony convictions may also qualify, and Colorado has expanded sealing opportunities in recent years.

Even if you were previously told that your record could not be sealed, it may be worth having the case reviewed again under current law.

Every Case Needs to Be Evaluated Individually

Colorado record-sealing law is detailed and fact-specific. Two cases that sound similar may have different results depending on the exact statute, disposition, date, and criminal history involved.

A proper review may include:

• The exact statute charged or convicted

• The offense classification

• Whether the case was dismissed, deferred, or resulted in a conviction

• Whether a deferred judgment was successfully completed

• The date the case and sentence were completed

• Whether the offense is subject to a specific statutory restriction or exception

• The person’s subsequent criminal history

• Whether restitution or other court-ordered obligations remain outstanding

• Whether changes in Colorado law affect eligibility

Certain offenses and categories of cases are subject to additional restrictions, exclusions, or special rules. Because of that, a short online chart should never be treated as a final determination that a record can—or cannot—be sealed.

This Is a General Guide, Not a Final Eligibility Determination

This page provides general information about Colorado record sealing. It is not a substitute for a complete review of your individual case by a qualified, licensed Colorado attorney.

Record-sealing eligibility can depend on details that may not be obvious from the name of the charge alone. The exact statute, final disposition, date of the case, criminal history, and changes in Colorado law may all matter.

Do not assume your record cannot be sealed simply because you have a conviction or because someone told you years ago that you were not eligible.

Colorado Law Has Expanded Sealing Opportunities

Colorado lawmakers have significantly expanded record-sealing opportunities in recent years, including through HB19-1275 and later reforms.

As a result, many people who previously believed their records could never be sealed may now have options worth exploring.

If you were told years ago that your record could not be sealed, check again. The law has changed.

Find Out Whether Your Record May Qualify

A criminal record can continue affecting employment, housing, professional opportunities, and your future long after the case itself is over.

You may have more options than you think.

Call or text 719-520-3968 to have your case reviewed. We can look at your record, evaluate the applicable Colorado law, and determine whether there may be a path toward sealing it.