Facing felony charges or living with a felony record can dramatically affect your life. Many people in Denver and across Colorado wonder if their felony convictions will disappear after a certain period, commonly asking, “Do felonies go away after 7 years in Colorado?” Understanding the truth about how felony convictions are treated in Colorado is essential to managing your future and knowing your legal options.
At Baker Law Group, our experienced criminal defense attorneys routinely help Denver residents navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding felony convictions, criminal records, and expungement. This detailed guide will explore whether felony convictions in Colorado disappear after seven years, what options exist for record sealing, and how legal representation can help you restore your future.
Do Felonies Automatically Disappear After 7 Years in Colorado?
The straightforward answer is no. Felony convictions in Colorado do not automatically disappear or be removed from your record after 7 years. This common misunderstanding stems from confusion with background check reporting practices and credit reporting laws, which can limit the visibility of certain types of records after seven years. However, this limitation does not apply to felony convictions.
In reality, felony convictions remain permanently visible on your criminal record unless you actively pursue legal options like sealing or expungement. Because felony records are publicly accessible, employers, landlords, and licensing boards can review your felony convictions indefinitely, significantly impacting future opportunities.
The Difference Between Expungement and Sealing a Record
Understanding the difference between expungement and sealing a criminal record is crucial when exploring your legal options in Colorado. Here’s a breakdown:
Expungement in Colorado
Expungement completely removes criminal records, effectively destroying them. Unfortunately, in Colorado, expungement is generally only available for juvenile records or certain circumstances involving wrongful conviction.
Felony convictions for adults cannot typically be expunged in Colorado. Instead, adult felony convictions may qualify for record sealing in specific circumstances.
Sealing a Felony Record
Sealing a felony record in Colorado means your conviction is hidden from public view. The record isn’t destroyed, but it becomes inaccessible in standard background checks conducted by employers or landlords. Only specific entities, like law enforcement or courts, can access sealed records.
Eligibility for Sealing Felony Records in Colorado
Colorado law provides certain conditions under which felony convictions can be sealed. Recent legislation has expanded these opportunities, allowing more people to regain control of their lives. Eligibility typically depends on:
- The type and severity of the felony.
- How much time has passed since the conviction or completion of your sentence?
- Your criminal record after the felony conviction.
Common Felony Convictions Eligible for Sealing:
- Certain drug felonies
- Lower-level non-violent felonies
- Certain felony theft convictions
Felonies Typically Ineligible for Sealing:
- Violent felonies (murder, robbery, assault)
- Sex crimes
- Certain severe drug trafficking felonies
Timeframes for Sealing a Felony Record
Although felony convictions don’t automatically disappear after 7 years, Colorado law does set specific waiting periods after completion of sentencing before a record can be sealed. Some typical waiting periods include:
- Level 4 drug felonies: Waiting period at least 3 years after sentence completion.
- Other eligible felonies: Generally, a waiting period of 3-5 years is required for other eligible felonies, depending on the specific crime and circumstances.
Maintaining a clean criminal record is crucial during this waiting period. Additional convictions can jeopardize your eligibility to have your record sealed.
How to Seal a Felony Record in Colorado
The process of sealing felony records involves specific legal procedures:
- Verify Eligibility: Review your felony conviction type and confirm eligibility under current Colorado law.
- File a Petition: Submit a formal petition to the court in the jurisdiction where your conviction occurred.
- Court Hearing: Depending on circumstances, a hearing may be required. An experienced Denver felony lawyer can represent you effectively during this process.
- Court Decision: The judge reviews your petition, considers objections (if any), and either grants or denies the request to seal.
If the court approves your petition, your felony conviction record will be sealed and hidden from public view, dramatically improving your opportunities moving forward.
The Benefits of Sealing a Felony Record
Sealing your felony record provides numerous life-changing benefits, including:
- Employment Opportunities: Greatly improved chances of securing meaningful employment without stigma.
- Housing Access: Easier approval for housing without your felony appearing in routine background checks.
- Professional Licensing: Reduced barriers to obtaining professional licenses and certifications.
- Personal Peace of Mind: Relief from ongoing stigma and anxiety related to your criminal history.
Why Legal Assistance Matters
Navigating the intricacies of sealing felony records in Colorado can be complicated, often requiring expert legal guidance. An experienced criminal defense attorney at Baker Law Group can:
- Assess eligibility comprehensively
- Prepare accurate, compelling petitions
- Represent you in court hearings
- Advocate effectively to maximize your chances of successfully sealing your felony record
Legal errors, incomplete filings, or misunderstandings of eligibility criteria can significantly delay or jeopardize your chance of sealing a felony record. Professional guidance can make all the difference.
Contact a Denver Felony Lawyer
If you’re struggling with a felony conviction on your record and want to explore options for sealing your felony record, Baker Law Group is here to help. Our dedicated and knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys provide personalized attention and aggressive advocacy to clients in Denver and throughout Colorado.
Don’t let a felony conviction continue impacting your life. Contact Baker Law Group today for a confidential consultation, and let our experienced Denver felony lawyers help you take the next step toward a brighter, more secure future.
