Expungment or Sealing Your Records

Here’s a clear, powerful summary of who can seal criminal records in Colorado under current law—along with strong encouragement to contact Attorney Ted McClintock to explore your own eligibility:

🗂️ Who Can Seal Their Colorado Criminal Records?

Colorado law permits many individuals to seal (hide from public view) their arrest, dismissal, diversion, or conviction records—though the timing and eligibility depend on what type of offense was involved and what happened after.

✅ Immediately Eligible for Sealing

• Dismissed cases, acquittals, or non-charges (including deferred judgments) can be sealed right away—no waiting required 💨  .

Waiting Periods by Offense Type

Offense Type

Category

Wait Time

Example

Petty offenses & petty drug crimes

1 year

Minor marijuana possession

Class 2–3 misdemeanors or misdemeanors involving drugs

2 years

Shoplifting, DUI? except traffic DUIs

Class 1 misdemeanors & nonviolent felonies (Class 4–6)

3 years

Simple assault, lower-level theft

Certain other eligible felonies

5 years

Larger-scale drug offenses with no violence

All remaining eligible felonies

5 years

• Felonies ineligible for sealing: Class 1–3 felonies, sex offenses, domestic violence convictions, DUI, major violent crimes, and offenses involving commercial licenses

• Must have no new convictions during the waiting period, and outstanding restitution can delay sealing

Colorado Law Recent Updates

• HB19‑1275 (2019) and follow-up reforms have expanded sealing options for many low-level misdemeanors and felonies

Why Sealing Matters

Once sealed:

• Your arrest or conviction won’t appear in public background checks.

• You can lawfully deny involvement in the matter when asked, except in limited circumstances (e.g., certain professional applications) .

• Law enforcement and courts can still access sealed records when necessary .

Don’t Guess—Get Expert Legal Guidance

Colorado’s system is complex, with strict timelines, rules about multiple convictions, and conditions that can disqualify a petition. A misstep can result in denial—and there are time limits on refiling.

Contact Colorado criminal defense attorney Ted McClintock today to see if your past cases qualify for sealing. He’ll walk you through the waiting periods, exceptions, and filing process—and work to rebuild your future from the ground up.

📞 Call now for a free consultation: (719) 520‑3968

Let’s help you clear your record and take back control of your life.