If you want to seal or expunge criminal record Boulder cases, understanding your options is the first step toward a clean slate. You made a mistake. Or maybe you were falsely accused… Either way, your criminal case is over — but the consequences keep showing up like a bad penny every time someone runs a background check. Whether you’re applying for jobs, apartments, or just trying to move on, that lingering record can feel like an anchor.
Here’s the good news: in Colorado — and right here in Boulder — you may be able to seal or expunge your criminal record. But it’s not automatic, and not every case qualifies. Let’s walk through what record sealing really means, who can do it, and how to get started without losing your mind (or patience).
First, What’s the Difference Between Sealing and Expungement in Colorado?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but in Colorado, they mean two different things:
- Sealing a record means it’s hidden from public view — landlords, employers, and nosy neighbors can’t see it, but law enforcement still can.
- Expungement is total deletion. The record is treated like it never existed. But in Colorado, this is typically only available for juvenile or underage drinking and driving offenses.
So if you’re an adult with a criminal history in Boulder, you’re most likely looking at sealing, not expungement.
What Kinds of Criminal Records Can Be Sealed in Boulder?
Colorado law (C.R.S. § 24-72-701 to 709) allows for sealing a variety of cases, including:
✅ Arrests that didn’t lead to charges
✅ Cases where charges were dismissed
✅ Acquittals (you were found not guilty)
✅ Certain misdemeanor and low-level felony convictions — especially after probation is complete
✅ Drug possession offenses (with waiting periods)
✅ Deferred judgments where you successfully completed the terms
But not everything qualifies. You generally can’t seal:
- Class 1 or 2 felonies
- Most sex offenses
- DUI or DWAI convictions
- Crimes involving violence
- Cases with unpaid restitution
If you’re not sure whether your case qualifies, don’t guess — talk to an attorney who knows Boulder court practices. The attorneys at Colorado Lawyer Team have helped dozens of clients successfully seal their records in Boulder County, and we stay current on Colorado’s evolving sealing laws so we can maximize your eligibility.
How Long Do You Have to Wait Before You Can Seal a Record in Colorado?
It depends on the outcome of your case:
- Arrest but no charges: Immediately after the statute of limitations expires
- Charges dismissed or not guilty: Immediately (as of recent law changes)
- Deferred sentence completed: After a short waiting period (often 1 year)
- Misdemeanor conviction: Usually 2–3 years after sentence is complete
- Felony conviction (if eligible): 3–5 years
That’s the minimum — you still have to file the proper paperwork, pay a fee, and potentially argue your case in front of a judge.
How to Seal a Criminal Record in Boulder
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:
- Determine eligibility based on case type, outcome, and timeline
- File a petition in the appropriate Boulder County court
- Notify relevant agencies, including the DA and law enforcement
- Attend a hearing (if required)
- Wait for the judge’s decision
If the judge grants your request, your record is sealed, and the court will notify the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and other public record agencies.
It sounds easy. It’s not. Mistakes in the paperwork or missed deadlines can get your petition rejected — which is why many people choose to have an attorney help. The team at Colorado Lawyer Team handles the entire sealing process from start to finish, ensuring all paperwork is properly filed and all deadlines are met, which significantly increases your chances of success.
What Sealing a Record Actually Does
Once sealed:
- The case is removed from public databases (like Colorado Courts online)
- You can legally say the incident never happened on most job or housing applications
- Private background check companies are required to remove the info once notified
But keep in mind:
- Immigration agencies and law enforcement can still access the sealed record
- Sealing does not automatically restore firearm rights or undo other consequences
- If you’re charged with another crime later, your sealed record can sometimes be reopened
Boulder Record Sealing FAQs
Q: Can I seal a DUI in Colorado?
A: No. DUI and DWAI convictions are not eligible for sealing, even if they were deferred or completed long ago.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to seal my record?
A: Technically no, but it helps. Many self-filed petitions are denied due to small errors. A lawyer can increase your odds and speed up the process.
Q: Will my sealed record show up on a background check?
A: Not for employers, landlords, or the general public. But government and law enforcement can still see it.
Additional Resources on Colorado Record Sealing & Criminal History Laws
If you want to explore more about record sealing, expungement, and Colorado criminal procedure, these reliable resources offer clear explanations and practical help. All links are active as of today.
🔗 Colorado Lawyer Team – Suppression of Evidence in Boulder
https://colawteam.com/blog/what-does-suppression-of-evidence-mean-in-a-boulder-criminal-case/
Understanding suppression helps you see how evidence handling affects eligibility for sealing and how prior constitutional issues may impact your case.
🔗 Colorado Lawyer Team – What to Do If You’re Arrested in Boulder
A helpful overview of your rights during arrest, record creation, and how early decisions affect future sealing options.
🔗 Colorado Judicial Branch – Record Sealing Forms & Instructions
https://www.courts.state.co.us/Forms/SubCategory.cfm?Category=Criminal
Official Colorado court forms for filing to seal records, including step-by-step instructions for different case types.
🔗 Colorado Revised Statutes – Record Sealing Laws (Title 24, Article 72)
https://leg.colorado.gov/agencies/office-legislative-legal-services/colorado-revised-statutes
The official statutes governing sealing procedures, timelines, and eligibility (C.R.S. § 24-72-701–709).
🔗 Colorado Bureau of Investigation – Sealed Records FAQs
https://cbi.colorado.gov/sections/identification/records-checks
Explains how sealed records are removed from background checks and how the CBI updates criminal history databases.
Ready to Leave the Past in the Past? We Can Help.
If a mistake from years ago is still holding you back, sealing your record might be the fresh start you need. But getting it done right in Boulder takes legal strategy and attention to detail.
📞 Call our Boulder criminal defense team today. We’ll review your case history, figure out if you’re eligible, and help you take the next step toward clearing your name.