Free Expungement Help in Colorado
Last reviewed: May 27, 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 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.
✅ Clean Slate / Automatic Sealing
Yes — Colorado's Clean Slate Act (SB 22-099) took effect January 1, 2023. Qualifying petty offenses and misdemeanor drug convictions are sealed automatically after waiting periods. Arrests without conviction are also automatically sealed. The courts process these in batches with no action required from you.
How to get a fee waiver in Colorado
Petition to Seal records (JDF 626) — file the Motion to Waive Filing Fee (JDF 205) with it. Colorado courts typically waive fees for petitioners below 125% of federal poverty guidelines. The Clean Slate automatic sealing has no fee.
Fee waivers (also called Affidavit of Indigency or In Forma Pauperis petition) are typically available if your household income is at or below 125–200% of the federal poverty level, or if you currently receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or veterans benefits based on need.
Verified free legal aid organizations in Colorado
Every organization below is a verified non-profit or government-affiliated legal aid program. None are paid services. Always confirm your eligibility directly with the organization.
Free expungement help by city in Colorado
Free expungement resources vary significantly by metro area. Here's what's available in the largest cities, including clinic schedules and local contacts.
Denver / Denver County
Denver has the most robust legal aid ecosystem in Colorado. CCJRC runs regular record sealing workshops, typically free and open to the public. Colorado Legal Services handles income-qualifying cases. Check the Denver District Court self-help center for clinic schedules — they post them quarterly.
Colorado Springs / El Paso County
Colorado Springs is served by the Colorado Legal Services Colorado Springs office. Pro bono resources are more limited than Denver; apply early. The El Paso County courts self-help center can assist with forms.
Colorado free expungement — frequently asked questions
What types of records can be sealed in Colorado?
Colorado allows sealing of most criminal records including arrests, municipal violations, petty offenses, misdemeanors, drug felonies, and some class 4–6 felonies — after applicable waiting periods. Class 1–3 felonies, crimes of violence, and sex offenses are generally not sealable. The waiting period ranges from 1 year (petty offense) to 10 years (non-drug class 4–6 felony).
Does the Colorado Clean Slate Act erase my record or just seal it?
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.
More Colorado expungement resources
- Complete Colorado expungement guide → — eligibility, process, statutes, and timelines
- How much does expungement cost? (state-by-state)
- What shows up on a background check after expungement?
- ← All states: free expungement help directory