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Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

Expungement and Criminal Record Sealing – A Denver Lawyer Explains

On Behalf of | May 14, 2018 | Record Sealing |

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Expungement is Different than Record Sealing in Arapahoe and Douglas County, Colorado

In general, Expungement is the term used for keeping juvenile records out of public view, and Record Sealing is used for adult criminal records. They both do the same thing, but the process is different. Juvenile Expungement rules and procedures are laid out in C.R.S 19-1-306, and Record Sealing procedures are found in C.R.S. 24-72 Part 7. If a criminal record is Expunged or Sealed by order of an Arapahoe County District Judge or by a Douglas County Judge, the petitioner, and all criminal justice agencies, may properly state that no such records exist. This is very important for anyone with job opportunities needing a clean criminal record. Law enforcement and courts may still see Expunged or Sealed Records. Expungement of Juvenile Records. Expungement of Juvenile Records Rules.

Sealing Adult Records in Adams or Douglas County – Procedures Differ Depending on Type of Records

Record Sealing procedures differ depending on the type of record to be sealed. A different statute applies when sealing an arrest made by the Westminster Police Department, and if the case was never filed in the Adams County, Colorado court, verses certain eligible drug convictions. There is even a specific Record Sealing statute for those who have been convicted of posting an intimate photograph of a person on the internet. City court cases are different too. So, it is easy for those who are not familiar with the court procedures to become confused. That confusion grows for anyone who has asked a Douglas County court clerk for help in filling forms since they won’t give legal advice. Criminal Record Sealing in Colorado.

Sealing Jefferson County, Colorado, Criminal Records is Worthwhile

When an Edgewater or Lakewood arrest never gets filed in the Jefferson County courts, a record of the arrest remains open to public scrutiny until action is taken by the accused. It is up to the arrestee to clean up the mess created by police. When people ask me if it is worthwhile to spend the time and expense of Sealing or Expunging a record, I never hesitate, the answer is always yes. An arrest or dismissed case can be used to discriminate against good people and the cost of sealing the record is always lower than the personal impact.

Whether you live in the Denver area, Summit County, or anywhere in Colorado, we can help you Expunge a juvenile record or Seal an adult criminal record if it is legal to do so. We can make sure it is done correctly and without frustration. So call us at 303-731-0719. Together we can protect your future.