Sarah had turned her life around. Five years after a DUI conviction, she’d completed treatment, rebuilt her career, and was thriving. Then she applied for her dream job—and watched the opportunity vanish the moment the background check came back.
One mistake. One conviction. And suddenly, every door seemed to slam shut.
For thousands of Coloradans, this is the crushing reality of living with a criminal record. But what many don’t realize is that Colorado law offers a path forward—one that can effectively erase eligible convictions from public view and restore opportunities that seemed permanently lost.
It’s called record sealing, and understanding how it works could change everything.
The Weight of a Criminal Record in the Digital Age
In 2026, background checks are ubiquitous. Employers, landlords, licensing boards, and even volunteer organizations routinely search criminal history databases. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, approximately 96% of employers conduct background checks on at least some job candidates.
This creates a nearly insurmountable barrier for people trying to move forward after serving their sentences. A single conviction—even a misdemeanor from decades ago—can derail employment opportunities, housing applications, professional licensing, and educational pursuits.
The National Institute of Justice reports that individuals with criminal records face unemployment rates over five times higher than the general population. This economic exclusion doesn’t just harm individuals—it perpetuates cycles of poverty and increases the likelihood of reoffending.
Colorado recognized this problem and created statutory pathways for sealing criminal records, giving qualifying individuals a legitimate fresh start.
What Does “Sealing” Actually Mean?
Record sealing is often confused with expungement, but Colorado law treats them differently. Understanding the distinction matters.
Sealing vs. Expungement
Sealing restricts public access to criminal records. The records still exist in law enforcement databases, but they’re hidden from most background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and the general public. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-701 et seq., sealed records can only be accessed by law enforcement and courts for specific purposes.
Expungement physically destroys records, as though the arrest or conviction never happened. Colorado reserves true expungement for very limited circumstances—primarily cases involving factual innocence, mistaken identity, or certain juvenile offenses.
For most Coloradans with adult criminal convictions, sealing is the realistic and powerful option available.
What Gets Hidden When Records Are Sealed?
Once sealed, a criminal record essentially disappears from public view:
- Background checks conducted by private companies typically won’t reveal sealed convictions
- You can legally answer “no” when asked if you’ve been convicted of a crime (with certain exceptions)
- The Colorado Bureau of Investigation won’t disclose sealed records in response to most record requests
- Landlords, employers, and licensing boards conducting standard background checks won’t see sealed offenses
There are exceptions. Law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies can still access sealed records for specific purposes. Additionally, some professional licensing boards may have access depending on the field and Colorado statutes governing that profession.
Who Qualifies for Record Sealing in Colorado?
Not every conviction is eligible for sealing, and timing matters significantly. Colorado’s record sealing laws underwent major expansion in recent years, but important limitations remain.
Eligible Offenses
Under current Colorado law, many drug offenses, theft crimes, assault charges, and other convictions may qualify for sealing after waiting periods expire. The Colorado General Assembly has progressively expanded eligibility, recognizing that rehabilitation deserves recognition.
Certain convictions are more quickly eligible than others. For example, many drug possession charges can be sealed relatively soon after completing sentencing requirements, reflecting modern understanding of substance abuse as a health issue rather than purely criminal conduct.
Offenses That Cannot Be Sealed
Colorado law specifically prohibits sealing certain serious offenses, including:
- Class 1 and Class 2 felonies
- Sexual offenses requiring registration under Colorado’s Sex Offender Registration Act
- Most felony crimes of violence
- Offenses involving children or vulnerable adults
- DUI and DWAI convictions (with limited exceptions)
- Traffic offenses that resulted in death
These exclusions reflect public safety concerns and the serious nature of certain crimes.
The Waiting Period: When Can You Apply?
Timing is everything in record sealing. Colorado imposes mandatory waiting periods before you can petition the court:
For most drug felonies and drug misdemeanors: Petitions can be filed after completing the full sentence (including probation) if no new charges have been filed.
For petty offenses and municipal ordinance violations: Many can be sealed immediately upon case dismissal or acquittal, or three years after completion of sentence for convictions.
For other felonies and misdemeanors: Waiting periods vary from three to seven years after completing the sentence, depending on the level of offense, according to the Colorado Judicial Branch.
Any new criminal charges during the waiting period can reset the clock or disqualify you entirely from sealing previous convictions.
The Sealing Process: What to Expect
Sealing a criminal record isn’t automatic—it requires filing a formal petition with the court that handled your original case. The process involves several critical steps.
Step One: Determining Eligibility
Before filing anything, you need comprehensive analysis of your criminal history. This means obtaining official records from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and carefully reviewing every arrest, charge, and disposition.
Minor discrepancies in records—misspelled names, incorrect dates, or incomplete dispositions—can derail petitions. Professional review helps identify and correct these issues before filing.
Step Two: Preparing the Petition
The petition must include specific information required by Colorado statute, including:
- Your complete criminal history
- Details about the conviction(s) you seek to seal
- Evidence that waiting periods have been satisfied
- Demonstration that you meet all statutory requirements
- Supporting documentation showing rehabilitation and good conduct
Courts have discretion to grant or deny petitions, so how the petition is crafted matters significantly.
Step Three: Filing and Serving Documents
Once prepared, the petition must be filed with the appropriate district court and served on the district attorney’s office. Filing fees vary by jurisdiction—some courts waive fees for indigent petitioners under Colorado Court Rule provisions.
Step Four: The District Attorney’s Response
After receiving notice, the district attorney has the opportunity to object to sealing. Prosecutors may oppose petitions based on the nature of the offense, your criminal history, or public safety concerns.
In cases involving victims, those victims have the right to be notified and heard before the court makes a decision. This is particularly relevant in assault, theft, or fraud cases where identifiable victims suffered harm.
Step Five: The Court Hearing
If the district attorney objects or if the court requires additional information, a hearing may be scheduled. At this hearing, you (or your attorney) can present evidence of rehabilitation, employment history, community ties, and other factors showing why sealing serves the interests of justice.
Judges have broad discretion. Factors they consider include:
- How much time has passed since the conviction
- Your conduct during that time
- Whether you’ve remained crime-free
- Employment and family stability
- Whether sealing would pose any public safety risk
Courts balance your interest in a fresh start against legitimate public safety and transparency concerns.
Step Six: The Court’s Decision
If the court grants your petition, it will issue an order directing that records be sealed. Copies of this order go to all relevant agencies—police departments, the CBI, court clerks, and prosecutors—instructing them to seal their records.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation maintains its own databases, and sealed Colorado records may still appear in FBI background checks in some circumstances. Additional steps may be necessary to address federal records.
The Real-World Impact of Sealing
For people who successfully seal their records, the effects can be transformative and immediate.
Employment Opportunities
With a sealed record, you can truthfully answer “no” when applications ask about criminal convictions (with exceptions for certain government and licensed positions that have statutory access to sealed records). This levels the playing field in competitive job markets.
According to research from the Center for American Progress, individuals who secure employment after conviction are significantly less likely to reoffend. Record sealing facilitates that employment, creating a virtuous cycle of stability and success.
Housing Access
Landlords routinely reject applicants with criminal histories. Sealed records remove this barrier, making it possible to secure safe, stable housing—a critical foundation for successful reintegration.
Professional Licensing
Many professions require state licensing: nursing, cosmetology, real estate, teaching, and countless others. Licensing boards often deny or revoke licenses based on criminal convictions. Sealing records can remove these obstacles and restore access to careers that would otherwise remain closed.
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies oversees numerous professional licensing boards, each with its own standards regarding criminal history. Sealing doesn’t guarantee licensing approval, but it significantly improves prospects.
Educational Opportunities
Some educational institutions and scholarship programs consider criminal history. Sealed records can open doors to higher education and vocational training that lead to better employment and long-term stability.
Peace of Mind
Beyond practical benefits, there’s something profound about legally reclaiming your narrative. A sealed record means you’re no longer defined by your worst mistake. You can move through the world without the constant anxiety that background checks will expose and derail your progress.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Record sealing isn’t always straightforward. Several complications can arise that require careful navigation.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Records
Government databases aren’t perfect. Names get misspelled, dispositions aren’t recorded, and cases get confused. Before filing a petition, it’s essential to obtain and carefully review official records, then correct any inaccuracies through formal processes.
Multiple Convictions Across Jurisdictions
If you have convictions in multiple Colorado counties, each requires a separate petition filed in the appropriate court. This multiplies the complexity, filing fees, and time required.
Objections from Prosecutors or Victims
District attorneys don’t automatically consent to sealing petitions. They may object based on the severity of the offense, concerns about public safety, or victim opposition. Overcoming these objections requires persuasive legal argument and evidence of rehabilitation.
Federal vs. State Records
Sealing Colorado state records doesn’t automatically seal federal databases maintained by agencies like the FBI or Department of Homeland Security. For individuals with immigration concerns or federal employment aspirations, additional steps may be necessary.
Changing Laws and Procedures
Colorado’s record sealing statutes have undergone significant revisions in recent years and continue to evolve. What wasn’t eligible for sealing last year might be eligible today. Staying current with statutory changes requires ongoing legal knowledge.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
While it’s technically possible to petition for record sealing without an attorney, the process is complex and unforgiving of errors. A single mistake—an incorrect form, a missed deadline, or an inadequate petition—can result in denial and wasted time.
Experienced attorneys bring several critical advantages:
Eligibility Assessment: Determining whether your specific conviction qualifies for sealing requires nuanced legal analysis. Statutes contain exceptions, carve-outs, and technical requirements that aren’t always obvious to non-lawyers.
Strategic Timing: Sometimes waiting a bit longer before filing—to establish a stronger track record or allow additional time to pass—improves your chances. Attorneys can assess whether now is the optimal time to petition.
Comprehensive Record Review: Gathering and reviewing all relevant records from courts, law enforcement agencies, and the CBI ensures nothing gets overlooked. Attorneys know what to request and how to interpret the results.
Persuasive Advocacy: If the district attorney objects or a hearing is required, skilled legal representation makes a difference. Attorneys know what judges find persuasive and how to present your case most effectively.
Handling Complications: When issues arise—contested facts, procedural disputes, or objections from prosecutors—experienced counsel can navigate these challenges without derailing the petition.
For individuals seeking to seal records in the Denver metro area and throughout Colorado, consulting with knowledgeable professionals who focus on these matters can significantly improve outcomes. Resources like Churchill Criminal Defense offer guidance for those navigating the complexities of Colorado’s criminal justice system.
Moving Forward: Taking the First Step
If you’re living with a criminal record that’s holding you back, record sealing might offer the fresh start you need. But hope alone won’t change your situation—action will.
Here’s how to begin:
Obtain your complete criminal history from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. You can request this directly and will need it to assess eligibility.
Review all court documents related to your case. Make sure sentences were completed, fines were paid, and probation was successfully discharged.
Calculate your waiting periods carefully. Count from the date you completed your entire sentence, not from the conviction date.
Assess your current situation. Have you remained crime-free? Maintained employment? Built community ties? These factors strengthen your petition.
Consult with professionals who understand Colorado’s record sealing laws. An initial consultation can clarify your options and help you understand what to expect.
Record sealing isn’t a guarantee, but for many Coloradans, it represents a legitimate pathway to reclaiming their lives. The process requires patience, attention to detail, and often professional guidance—but the potential rewards are immeasurable.
The Bigger Picture: Second Chances and Public Policy
Colorado’s expanding record sealing laws reflect a broader shift in how society thinks about criminal justice. Research consistently shows that punitive measures alone don’t create safer communities—rehabilitation, opportunity, and reintegration do.
Studies from organizations like the Brennan Center for Justice demonstrate that individuals who successfully reintegrate into society after conviction contribute economically, support families, and rarely reoffend.
Record sealing serves these goals. It doesn’t erase accountability—people still serve their sentences and face consequences for their actions. But it recognizes that punishment should have limits and that people deserve opportunities to demonstrate they’ve changed.
As Colorado continues to refine its approach to criminal justice reform, record sealing laws will likely continue evolving. Staying informed about these changes and understanding your rights under current law is essential for anyone carrying the weight of a criminal record.
Your Past Doesn’t Have to Define Your Future
Sarah eventually found an attorney who helped her seal her DUI conviction. Six months later, she reapplied for her dream job—and this time, she got it. The difference wasn’t that she’d become a better person; she was already doing the work of recovery and growth. The difference was that she’d removed the legal barrier preventing others from seeing who she’d become.
If you’re struggling under the weight of a criminal record, you’re not alone, and you’re not without options. Colorado law provides pathways for people who’ve served their time and demonstrated they deserve a second chance.
The question isn’t whether you deserve that chance—the question is whether you’re ready to pursue it.
Because your past is part of your story, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your story. With the right knowledge, the right support, and the determination to move forward, you can write the next chapter on your own terms.
