A criminal record can restrict your ability to move ahead constructively and positively with your life. Some criminal records cannot be sealed in Colorado, but if your record can be sealed, Colorado Springs record sealing attorney John Joyner at Joyner Law can help you.

Recent changes to Colorado law allow you to seal most criminal justice records and criminal convictions after your case has been closed out and in cases of conviction, after you have completed the statutory waiting period.

Who Can See Unsealed Criminal Records in Colorado?

The internet makes it easy for almost anyone to find arrest and conviction records. If your criminal records are not sealed – or can’t be sealed – those records can be seen by landlords, employers, lenders, and anyone who wants to pry into your past.

Attorney John Joyner is an experienced Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney who has substantial experience with the sealing of criminal records. Contact Joyner Law at once to learn more about sealing your own criminal record or to begin the process.

What Criminal Records May Be Sealed in Colorado?

Arrest records may be sealed if no charge was filed, if charges were dropped, or if you were acquitted. A diversion agreement may be sealed if no charges were filed, and a deferred judgment may be sealed if charges were dismissed.

If charges against you were dropped, if your case was dismissed, or if you were acquitted, the record of the case is not automatically deleted from the state’s files. In most cases, you have to be proactive and file a formal request to have a criminal record sealed in this state.

Certain drug convictions may be sealed even if there was a guilty plea, and records of some offenses committed by human trafficking victims may also be sealed. When a criminal record is sealed in this state, it isn’t erased, but the general public, including most employers, can’t see it.

Prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and agencies required by law to conduct criminal background checks before offering employment still may see sealed records. Attorney John Joyner can determine if a record can be sealed. If it can, he will guide you through the process.

What Criminal Records May Not Be Sealed?

Convictions for a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 felony in Colorado cannot be sealed, and a conviction for a Level 1 drug felony cannot be sealed.

Other records that cannot be sealed in Colorado include convictions for sexual offenses, domestic violence, driving under the influence (DUI), Class 1 and Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offenses, and Class A or Class B traffic infractions.

Finally, any payments owed to or ordered by the court must be made before your record can be sealed, including fines, fees, restitution, and other court costs.

In some cases, a prosecutor or even a victim may request a hearing to block the petition to have your criminal record sealed. You must be represented by an aggressive, effective Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney if such a hearing is conducted.

Attorney John Joyner and the legal team at Joyner Law offer a full range of criminal defense services. We concentrate on your legal goals and needs while protecting your rights, offering frank legal advice, and providing high-quality criminal defense services.

If you need to have an arrest or conviction record sealed in or near Colorado Springs or anywhere else in this state, schedule a consultation – promptly – with Colorado Springs record sealing attorney John Joyner at Joyner Law by calling 719-548-4750.