What crimes can be expunged in Colorado?

In Colorado, most misdemeanors and many felonies can be expunged after the required waiting period. However, certain serious offenses like violent crimes and sex offenses are typically ineligible.

How long is the waiting period for expungement in Colorado?

Waiting periods in Colorado vary by offense type. Arrests typically require 1 year, misdemeanors 3-5 years, and felonies 5-10 years from sentence completion.

Can I expunge a felony in Colorado?

Many felonies can be expunged in Colorado, but eligibility depends on the specific offense and classification. Class A felonies and certain violent or sexual offenses are generally ineligible.

Will expungement remove my record from background checks?

Yes, once expunged, the record should not appear on most background checks. However, some government agencies and law enforcement may still have access for specific purposes.

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Criminal Record Expungement

ColoradoCriminal Expungement

Learn how to clear arrests and convictions from your criminal record in Colorado.

At a Glance

Fee Waiver AvailableYou may qualify for free filing

Or $0-$224 filing fee if you don't qualify

NoClean Slate State

Check Eligibility →

Legal Terminology in Colorado

Expungement

sealing

Sealing

sealing

Eligibility Requirements

General requirements for criminal record expungement in Colorado.

Generally Eligible

Arrests with no charges filed (auto-sealed after 9/1/2019)

Cases dismissed or declined to prosecute

Acquittals (found not guilty)

Deferred judgments upon successful completion

Generally Not Eligible

Class 1 and 2 Felonies

First degree murder (C.R.S. § 18-3-102)
Second degree murder (C.R.S. § 18-3-103)
First degree assault (C.R.S. § 18-3-202)
First degree kidnapping (C.R.S. § 18-3-301)

Sex Offenses

Sexual assault (C.R.S. § 18-3-402)
Sexual assault on a child (C.R.S. § 18-3-405)
Unlawful sexual contact (C.R.S. § 18-3-404)
Sexual exploitation of a child (C.R.S. § 18-6-403)
Offenses requiring sex offender registration

Child Abuse Offenses

Child abuse resulting in death (C.R.S. § 18-6-401)
Child abuse resulting in serious injury
Sexual exploitation of a child

DUI/DWAI Offenses

DUI (C.R.S. § 42-4-1301)
DWAI (C.R.S. § 42-4-1301)
DUI per se
Vehicular assault while DUI

Domestic Violence Offenses

Crimes with domestic violence enhancer
Third degree assault - domestic violence
Harassment - domestic violence
Menacing - domestic violence

Traffic Offenses

Vehicular homicide (C.R.S. § 18-3-106)
Vehicular assault (C.R.S. § 18-3-205)
Leaving the scene of an accident involving death or injury

Waiting Periods

Non-convictionNo waiting period (may be automatic)

Waiting periods typically start from completion of sentence, including probation.

Costs & Fee Waivers

Don't let cost be a barrier. Most people qualify for free filing.

Filing Costs

Recommended

Option 1: Fee Waiver

$0 — File for free

If you have limited income, you likely qualify to file without paying any fees.

Option 2: Pay Filing Fee

$0-$224

No fee for non-convictions; $65-$224 for convictions

If you don't qualify for a fee waiver, you'll need to pay the filing fee.

Don't let filing fees stop you. Most people who apply for fee waivers are approved.

The Process

Verify Eligibility

Confirm your conviction qualifies for sealing

Obtain Your Criminal History

Get your CBI criminal history record

1-2 weeks

Download and Complete Forms

Get forms from Colorado Judicial Branch

1-2 hours

File the Motion and Pay Fee

Submit your motion to the court

1 day

DA Review Period

The District Attorney reviews your motion

35 days

Hearing (If Required)

Court hearing if DA objects or court requires

1-2 hours

Order Processing

If granted, records are sealed

30-60 days

Legal Resources

Official Colorado Courts resource with all forms and instructions for sealing records

BIPOC and women-led nonprofit providing free expungement assistance in Colorado

Free civil legal services for low-income Coloradans including record sealing help

Public defender office with resources for former clients seeking record sealing

Request your official criminal history record

Find an attorney for record sealing in the Denver metro area

Statewide lawyer referral service

Legal Authority

C.R.S. § 24-72-702

Sealing of Criminal Justice Records - Definitions

View source →

C.R.S. § 24-72-705

Sealing of Criminal Justice Records - Acquittals

View source →

C.R.S. § 24-72-706

Sealing of Criminal Justice Records - Convictions

View source →

C.R.S. § 24-72-708

Automatic Sealing

View source →

C.R.S. § 19-1-306

Expungement of Juvenile Records

View source →

Eligibility Timeline Calculator

Find out exactly when you can file for expungement

What was the outcome of your case?

Date DA Declined to File

🏛️ Find Your Courthouse

Get court contact information, directions, and filing details for your county

Select Your County

📋 My Cases

Track your expungement progress across multiple cases

No Cases Yet

Add your first case to start tracking your expungement progress

📄 Generate Your Forms

After adding your case information above, use this tool to automatically generate your personalized expungement forms:

💡 Add a case above to generate your expungement forms.

Need More Help?

Consider consulting with a legal aid organization or attorney for personalized guidance.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation.