Colorado Record Sealing Attorneys
Reviewed: May 15, 2026
Colorado uses "sealing" rather than "expungement" for most adult criminal records. A sealed record is not visible to the public or most private employers, but remains accessible to law enforcement. Colorado significantly expanded automatic sealing eligibility in 2019 and again with SB 22-099, covering many drug offenses, petty offenses, and some misdemeanors without a waiting period.
At a glance
- ✓ Sealing hides records from public view but not from law enforcement
- ✓ Arrests without conviction often immediately eligible
- ✓ Petty offenses and drug petty offenses may be automatically sealed after 1 year
- ✓ Class 1–3 felonies and sex offenses are not eligible
- ✓ Waiting period is 1–7 years depending on offense class
Who qualifies?
Eligibility depends on offense type and outcome. Arrests that did not result in a conviction (dismissed charges, acquittals, completed deferred judgments) may be immediately eligible. Misdemeanors and low-level drug offenses have waiting periods of 1 to 3 years after final discharge. Some Class 4 and 5 felonies may be sealed after 3 to 7 years. Class 1, 2, and 3 felonies; level 1 and 2 drug felonies; crimes of violence; and sex offenses are generally not eligible.
SB 22-099 created automatic sealing for petty offenses, drug petty offenses, and civil infractions after one year if the person has no new offenses — no petition needed for these.
Petition process
For offenses not automatically sealed, a petition is filed in the district court where the conviction occurred. The petition must include the discharge date and evidence of a clean record since discharge. The DA can object; the court weighs the benefit to the petitioner against the public interest in maintaining the record.
Cost and timing
Filing fees are approximately $65 per petition, plus fingerprint and background check fees. Fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners. The process typically takes 45 to 120 days from filing to order.
Statutes cited
- C.R.S. § 24-72-706 (Petition to seal criminal records) — C.R.S. § 24-72-706
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sealing and expungement in Colorado?
Most adult records are "sealed" — hidden from public view but preserved for law enforcement. True expungement (physical destruction) is only available for juvenile records. Sealed records do not appear on most background checks.
Can I seal a DUI conviction?
DUI convictions are generally not eligible for sealing in Colorado. However, a dismissed DUI charge or completed deferred judgment can be sealed immediately.
Does sealing restore gun rights?
Sealing does not restore federal firearm rights lost due to a felony conviction. Firearm rights are a federal law matter separate from Colorado sealing.
Will my record still show on a background check?
After sealing, the record should not appear on consumer background checks. Government agencies and law enforcement still have access. Follow up after 90 days if the record still appears — some databases are slow to update.
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