Someone called our law firm a few days ago and wanted to know why he should have his record sealed if the charge showed up as dismissed. My advice to this question is always the same: Even if the report shows the case was dismissed, why would you ever want to have to explain that? The truth is that even if you were not convicted of a crime, having an arrest record can be detrimental. Whether you live in Denver, Adams or Arapahoe county, arrest records have far reaching consequences, so record sealing is an easy choice.

Collateral Consequences of an Arrest or Criminal Record

Although too numerous to list here, the major consequences of a criminal record impact housing, employment, gun rights, college admissions, and various forms of governmental assistance, i.e. financial aid for college, TANF, WIC, Section 8 Housing. For a full detailed description on collateral consequences of a criminal record, visit the ABA’s National Inventory of the Collateral Consequences of Conviction.

Sealing of Criminal Records and Many Convictions

Although not all conviction records are eligible for sealing, dismissal records are always able to be sealed, along with many successfully completed deferred judgments and deferred prosecutions (some sexual offense deferred judgments are not). In some cases, even if you were convicted of a drug offense or a municipal offense, you may still be eligible to seal the record. Most juvenile offenses are also eligible for expungement.

Chances are, if you have interacted with the criminal justice system, it’s not something you want to broadcast, regardless of the charge or the outcome. Not only can a criminal record hurt your reputation, in today’s age, nearly everything is public on the internet. Sealing an old record can give you the freedom and fresh start you need to truly move on.

If you or a loved one has been held back by a past indiscretion or false charges, consult an experienced criminal attorney to determine if we can unshackle you from your past. We have spent years petitioning the Court in record sealing cases in Jefferson, Douglas and Boulder county, and we can help you too. So, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us today at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.