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How to Seal Criminal Records in Colorado

Having a criminal record in Colorado can limit your employment opportunities, housing options, and even your ability to move forward in life. Fortunately, Colorado law allows certain individuals to seal or expunge eligible criminal records, meaning those records are no longer accessible to the public. However, the process can be complex, and filing errors or ineligible charges often lead to unnecessary delays or denials.

In this guide, the legal team at Black, Blink, & Associates LLC explains how to determine whether your charge qualifies for sealing, what forms you’ll need, and how to properly complete and file your petition with the Colorado courts. Following these steps carefully can make the difference between a successful petition and a costly rejection.

Make sure the charge you are petitioning to seal is a qualifying charge. A petition to seal an offense not listed is likely to result in the denial of the petition to seal and thus is likely a waste of not only your time and energy but also your money.

If the petition to seal is for a qualifying charge, check to make sure that:

  • The petition is filled out properly (either online or clearly and legibly in black ink), and
  • You have provided notice of the petition to the District Attorney, and
  • Include all applicable case report numbers, case numbers, arrest numbers, and list all the appropriate parties and agencies that possess the defendant’s criminal records, and
  • Pay the appropriate filing fee ($65 for most petitions), and
  • If unable to pay the filing fee, you can file a motion in to waive fees – JDF 205,
  • Attach a criminal history showing no new criminal charges or convictions since release from supervision or final disposition, whichever is later, and
  • Include any case numbers of any cases that were dismissed due to a plea agreement in another case, and
  • Enter the case numbers for all files you are asking the court to seal (a separate filing fee is required for each case you want the court to seal), and
  • Specify charges for any arrest record or court case file you want sealed, and
  • List the results of the official action you are petitioning to seal, and
  • Any outstanding fines, fees, court costs, restitution, etc., must be paid in full, and
  • That you have waited the statutorily required time period to file

Go to the Colorado State Judicial Branch website’s self-help forms (unless you are filing in Denver District Court, in which case, go to their website).

  • For arrest and criminal records -no charges filed in court and one of the following:
    • Review JDF 416 – instructions on how to file a petition to seal arrest and criminal records
    • Fill out the JDF 417 form completely and accurately
    • Attach the orders  JDF 435, completing only the caption (Court will fill out the rest if applicable).
    • Fill out JDF 418 —  (just do §§ A-C) 
    • You must indicate the same agencies as you did on the petition
    • Fill out JDF 419 –  (just do §§ A-C)
    • The Court may send this notice and a copy of the petition to the agencies you listed on the petition, or the Court may require you to mail it to the agencies once the hearing is set.
    • You completed a diversion agreement
    • The statute of limitations has expired
    • You are no longer being investigated for those offenses 
  • For Non-Conviction Records
    • This includes if you were acquitted of all charges at trial, completion of a diversion agreement, completion of a deferred sentence, or a vacated conviction
    • Review JDF 491 – guide to sealing non-conviction records 
    • Fill out JDF 477 Motion to seal
    • Fill out JDF 492  (just do §§ A-C)
    • Fill out JDF 493  (just do §§ A-C)
    • Fill out JDF 478  (just do §§ A-C)
    • Mail a copy to the DA office
    • The court may hold a hearing to determine if your case will be sealed
  • For convictions
    • Review JDF 611 – guide to sealing conviction records
    • Fill out JDF 612
    • Fill out JDF 613  (just do §§ A-C)
    • Fill out JDF 614  (just do §§ A-C)
    • Fill out JDF 615  (just do §§ A-C)
    • Mail a copy to the DA office
    • The court may hold a hearing to determine if your case will be sealed

Take the Next Step Toward a Clean Slate

Sealing a criminal record in Colorado can open doors that a prior conviction or arrest may have closed, but the process requires precision, patience, and legal knowledge. Missing a required form, filing under the wrong statute, or attempting to seal a non-qualifying charge can lead to immediate denial.

The attorneys at Black, Blink, & Associates LLC help clients across Colorado successfully petition to seal or expunge their criminal records. Our experienced defense team ensures your paperwork is accurate, deadlines are met, and your rights are protected every step of the way.

For experienced criminal defense in Colorado, contact Black, Blink, & Associates LLC at 719-694-0578 for a confidential consultation.