How do I expunge a criminal record in Colorado?

Colorado record relief is governed by C.R.S. §§ 24-72-701 to 24-72-710, expanded by the Clean Slate Act (HB 22-1229, 2022).

1. Sealing of Convictions — C.R.S. § 24-72-706

Petition-based waiting periods (after final disposition or release from supervision):

Petty offenses / municipal violations: 1 year.

Class 2 or 3 misdemeanors: 2 years.

Class 1 misdemeanors: 3 years.

Class 4, 5, 6 felonies / Level 3, 4 drug felonies: 3-5 years.

Class 2, 3 felonies: 5 years.

Class 1 felonies and sex offenses: NOT eligible.

2. Automatic Sealing — Clean Slate Act (Effective July 1, 2024)

Civil infractions and petty offenses: 4 years.

Misdemeanors: 7 years.

Eligible felonies (Level 4 drug; Class 4-6): 10 years.

DA receives notice and may object within 45 days.

Implementation phased through Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

3. Excluded Offenses

DUI / DWAI (some exceptions).

Domestic violence convictions.

Sex offenses requiring registration (C.R.S. § 16-22-103).

Class 1 felonies and crimes of violence (C.R.S. § 18-1.3-406).

Some traffic offenses involving injury.

4. Marijuana Convictions — C.R.S. § 24-72-710

Petitions to seal marijuana possession or use offenses for conduct that is now legal under Amendment 64 may be granted regardless of waiting period.

Court must grant if conduct would no longer be a crime.

5. Non-Conviction Records — C.R.S. § 24-72-702

Charges dismissed, acquittals, no-file decisions: immediate sealing upon petition; no waiting period.

6. Procedure

File Petition to Seal (JDF 612 / 417 series) in convicting court.

DA has 30-45 days to object.

Hearing required if contested; otherwise often granted on papers.

Filing fee approximately $65 (waivable).

7. Effect

Sealed records inaccessible to general public; available to law enforcement and select agencies.

Petitioner may legally deny the existence of the case in most circumstances.

This is legal information, not legal advice.