Sealing Criminal Records in Colorado
Having a criminal record sealed can open doors to new opportunities by making past offenses invisible to employers, creditors, school admission departments, and anyone in the general public. However, the process of sealing criminal records in Colorado doesn’t happen overnight.
It involves several steps and a waiting period that can extend the timeline. This article provides an overview of what you can expect in terms of the timeline and process for sealing criminal records in Colorado.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Before you begin the process, you need to determine whether you’re eligible to have your criminal records sealed. This may involve obtaining your criminal history and consulting with a legal professional.
Eligibility for sealing can differ based on the facts of your particular case, like whether there was just an arrest or charges were filed, what the level of the charges was, whether were there any alleged victims, whether the charge/case was ultimately dismissed or you were convicted, etc. Depending on your circumstances, this can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Step 2: Prepare and File the Petition
Once you’ve determined that you’re eligible, the next step is to prepare the petition to seal your criminal records. This involves completing the necessary forms and filing them with the court. Depending on your familiarity with legal paperwork and the complexity of your case, this could take several days or even weeks.
Step 3: Waiting Period and Hearing
After you file your petition, there may be a waiting period. This gives law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s office time to respond to your petition if they wish to do so.
If a hearing is required, the court will set a date. This can often take several weeks or even months to occur, depending on the court’s schedule.
Step 4: Order to Seal Records
If the judge grants your petition, they will issue an order to seal your records. This order is then sent to all relevant law enforcement agencies and to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). It can take several weeks for these agencies to act on the order and seal your records.
Step 5: Verification
After waiting a few weeks for the agencies to act on the order, you can request a verification of the sealing from the CBI. This step is optional but can provide peace of mind that your records have indeed been sealed.
Overall Timeline
In general, the entire process of sealing criminal records in Colorado can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of your case, the court’s schedule, and whether any complications arise.
Do Not Go At It Alone
Navigating the timeline for sealing criminal records in Colorado can be a lengthy and complicated process. This is where the Baker Law Group steps in. With our experienced Denver Expungement Lawyers, we can guide you through each step, ensuring that the process is as smooth and quick as possible. Reach out to our Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyers today and let us help you move forward on the path to a brighter future.
