Free Record Sealing Help in Colorado

Reviewed: May 28, 2026

Colorado is one of the more accessible states for record sealing — the law is well-organized, the forms are free and available on the state courts website, and legal aid is reasonably available in Denver and the Front Range. The Clean Slate Act (SB 22-099) means many people's older drug and petty offense records may already be sealed without them knowing. The Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition is an excellent first contact — they'll tell you immediately whether you qualify and what form to use.

At a glance

✓ Colorado Clean Slate Act (SB 22-099) automatically seals qualifying records since January 2023
✓ Check coloradobi.gov — your drug or petty offense record may already be sealed
✓ CCJRC (ccjrc.org) runs free record sealing workshops multiple times per month in Denver
✓ File Petition to Seal JDF 626 + fee waiver Motion JDF 205 at the district court of conviction
✓ Colorado Legal Services provides free representation for income-qualifying petitioners statewide

Important: This page provides general legal information about expungement and record sealing laws. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. Eligibility rules vary by state, county, and individual circumstances. Always consult a licensed attorney before taking any legal action.

Colorado Clean Slate Act — check first

Colorado's Clean Slate Act (SB 22-099, effective January 1, 2023) automatically seals qualifying petty offenses and misdemeanor drug convictions after applicable waiting periods, without any action from you. Arrests without conviction are also automatically sealed. If your offense qualifies, your record may already be sealed. Check your Colorado criminal history through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (coloradobi.gov) before filing any petition.

Free legal aid organizations in Colorado

Colorado Legal Services (coloradolegalservices.org) is the primary statewide legal aid organization and provides free representation for income-qualifying Coloradans in record sealing matters. The Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition (CCJRC) at ccjrc.org runs regular free record sealing workshops open to the public — typically several times per month in Denver. Thrive Legal (thrivecolo.org) in Denver runs a dedicated record sealing clinic. The Denver Bar Association's Pro Bono Program matches clients with volunteer attorneys for complex cases.

Petition process and fee waivers

To petition for sealing, file the Petition to Seal (JDF 626) at the district court of conviction. If you cannot afford the court filing fee, file the Motion to Waive Filing Fee (JDF 205) at the same time — courts typically waive fees for petitioners below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. All Colorado court forms are available free at coloradocourts.gov. Colorado Legal Services and CCJRC can help you prepare and file both forms.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Colorado Clean Slate Act cover my record?

Colorado's Clean Slate Act (SB 22-099) covers petty offenses, misdemeanor drug convictions, and arrests without conviction, after waiting periods of 1 to 3 years from discharge. Most class 4–6 drug felonies also qualify after 7 years. Class 1–3 felonies, crimes of violence, and sex offenses are excluded. Check your record through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation — if it qualifies, it may already be sealed automatically.

What types of records can be petitioned for sealing in Colorado?

Colorado allows petition-based sealing for many criminal records including municipal violations, petty offenses, misdemeanors, drug felonies, and some class 4–6 non-drug felonies after applicable waiting periods (1–10 years from discharge). Class 1–3 felonies, crimes of violence, and sex offenses are generally not sealable. Colorado Legal Services can screen your record at no cost.

Is sealing the same as expungement in Colorado?

No. Sealing in Colorado means the record is hidden from public view and most employer background checks but is not physically destroyed. Law enforcement, courts, and certain licensing boards can still access sealed records. For most private employment purposes, a sealed record does not need to be disclosed. Colorado does not have general expungement — sealing is the primary remedy.

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