Having a criminal charge on your record can follow you long after a case ends. Background checks can affect employment, housing, professional licenses, and even educational opportunities. Fortunately, Colorado law allows certain criminal records to be sealed, giving individuals a chance to move forward with their lives. At The Brown Law Firm in Steamboat Springs, we regularly help clients understand whether they qualify for record sealing and how the process works.
What Is Record Sealing?
Record sealing means that your criminal record is hidden from public view, including most employers, landlords, and background check companies. While the record still exists, it is no longer accessible to the general public.
When records are sealed:
- Most background checks will not show the case
- Employers and landlords cannot legally see the record
- You can legally state that you have not been convicted of that offense in many situations
However, sealed records may still be accessed by law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies.
Sealing vs. Expungement: What’s the Difference?
In Colorado, record sealing and expungement are different legal processes. Record sealing hides the case from public access, while expungement permanently destroys or removes the record.
Most adult criminal cases qualify for record sealing, not expungement. Juvenile cases and certain non-conviction records may be eligible for expungement, depending on the circumstances.
Understanding which option applies to your situation is critical—and that’s where an experienced criminal defense attorney can help.
Which Criminal Charges Can Be Sealed?
Colorado law allows many criminal records to be sealed, including:
- Cases that were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts
- Charges where no charges were ultimately filed
- Certain misdemeanor convictions
- Some low-level felony convictions after a waiting period
More serious offenses, such as violent crimes and certain sex offenses, may not be eligible for sealing. Each case is different, and eligibility depends on the charge, outcome, and time since the case closed.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Seal Records?
Waiting periods vary based on the outcome of the case:
- Dismissed or acquitted cases: Often eligible immediately or after a short waiting period
- Misdemeanor convictions: Typically eligible after several years
- Felony convictions: Longer waiting periods may apply
Filing too early can result in denial, which is why timing and proper documentation are important.
Why Legal Help Matters
Record sealing involves filing petitions, paying fees, notifying prosecutors, and sometimes attending court hearings. Mistakes can delay or prevent approval.
At The Brown Law Firm in Steamboat Springs, we guide clients through the entire record sealing process, ensuring paperwork is completed correctly and deadlines are met. Our goal is to help you clear barriers that may be holding you back.
Take the First Step Toward a Clean Slate
If you are wondering whether your criminal record can be sealed, you do not have to figure it out alone. A sealed record can provide peace of mind.
The Brown Law Firm is here to help residents of Steamboat Springs and the surrounding areas understand their rights and options under Colorado law. Contact our criminal defense team today to learn whether record sealing is right for you.
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