We are thrilled to report that the Colorado legislature has taken a dramatic step in the right direction to remove offenses from the background checks of employers and nosey neighbors in Lakewood, Littleton, Denver, and Arapahoe County. We just wish the record sealing law had gone further. The bottom line of this new law is that if you have been arrested or convicted of a municipal (city court – not county court) offense, or a petty offense (city or county court), then your record may be sealable, even though it is a conviction. See our Municipal and Petty Crimes Sealing web page.
Normally, convictions can’t be sealed in Aurora, Thornton and Westminster municipal court. In the past, you have been able to seal records of cases which were dismissed, where you were acquitted, and where charges were not filed – but not convictions. See our Record Sealing page. Now, these smaller convictions can be sealed. The only difficulty is that the new law has many qualifications and requirements.
Examples of Sealable Arrest Records and Court Convictions
This new record sealing law means that people convicted of Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Parks and Outdoor Recreation offenses, Skiing offenses, Disorderly conduct, many Traffic offenses, and prior Marijuana Possession offenses, can be free of them – even in County Court if it is a petty offense. While these offenses still remain convictions, they are not going to be accessible to the public. So, employers and apartment managers conducting background checks will not see them anymore. Arrest records for these offenses are sealable too.
Some of the Many Requirements Under the New Law
You can’t seal the record until three years has elapsed since the case was closed (after probation was over), you can’t have any charges or convictions of a felony or misdemeanor since the case, the government in Jefferson, Adams and Douglas County can still see the record, and the record is unsealed if you get in trouble again. But, if you got in trouble one time long ago and have been trouble-free for years, this is a great chance to clean the slate.
Live Free of Arrest, Municipal and Petty Crime Records
With this new law, arrest records, municipal (city) court offenses and most all petty crime convictions are sealable. You no longer need to live under the fear that someone will find out that you were convicted of a Denver city prostitution charge or an Aurora marijuana joint possession. A mistake can be erased, provided you have lived a law abiding life since a one-time error in judgment.
Call our experienced record sealing lawyers at 303-731-0719 today for a free consultation in our office. Together, we can protect your future.