Record sealing in Denver, Aurora, and Thornton is an essential step in moving beyond one’s criminal history. While some convictions aren’t eligible to be sealed in Colorado, many are and speaking with an experienced record sealing lawyer has many benefits. When the court grants a record seal for someone, they have the opportunity to deny ever being arrested or convicted (with very few exceptions). Additionally, this sensitive information is then undetectable on background checks which can significantly level the playing field when it comes to employment opportunities. If you or someone you know wants to look into sealing a record in Colorado, we encourage you to contact one of our conveniently located offices for a free consultation.
Denver Record Sealing Factors
The record sealing process in Denver, Arapahoe, and Adams County contains important factors. First, it’s best to consult an attorney to discuss your case(s) and review if the arrest / conviction are in fact sealable. The following factors impact this possibility:
- the specific type of offense,
- if the defendant was ultimately convicted,
- the defendant’s age,
- if / when the case was dismissed or closed
Generally speaking, convictions for a class 1, 2, or 3 felony, felony sex offenses, DUI, many convictions involving domestic violence, level 1 drug felonies, and traffic misdemeanors / infractions cannot be sealed. However, defendants are eligible to pursue sealing records right away if:
- they were arrested but not ultimately charged,
- the case was dismissed,
- or they were found not guilty (acquitted)
Perhaps the most beneficial element to sealing a record is the employment possibilities. Unfortunately, many employers toss applicants with criminal records out of fear, distrust, or social implications. However, with your record sealed, these pieces of your past will be invisible to potential employers and you won’t need to divulge or discuss this information in your interview. Sealing can also prevent nosy colleagues and neighbors from isolating you or casting unnecessary judgement on your past.
5 Steps to Sealing a Record in Colorado
There are specific steps to sealing a record in Colorado that one of our skilled attorneys can help guide you through. Those often include:
- obtaining criminal records from the police department and in some cases, criminal history from the CBI,
- completing the appropriate petition to seal forms,
- filing the forms with the correct court,
- waiting for the court / judge to review and then accept or deny the petition (can be weeks),
- sending the accepted order to seal to the agencies that have the criminal records themselves
It can take a police department or the CBI up to a month to seal the records after receiving a granted order in the mail. While the eagerness to complete this quickly is absolutely understandable, it’s important that these timeframes be understood going into the process of sealing.
Contact a Denver Record Sealing Lawyer Today
If you’re looking to seal a record in Denver, Aurora, Fort Collins, Lakewood, Thornton, or Arvada you’ve come to the right place. We have decades of combined experience helping clients seal their criminal record and are ready for your unique situation. The benefits of having a record sealed are vast and many of our clients have been able to secure that job position they’ve always wanted. Our affordable fees and flexible payment plans make hiring a record sealing lawyer a reality for those wanting a fresh start.
Wanting to see if your record can be sealed in Colorado? Talk to us. 303-830-0880
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