How to Seal a  Conviction in Colorado (Updated for 2025)

If you have a past  conviction in Colorado, you may be eligible to have your criminal record sealed — giving you a second chance at employment, housing, and a clean reputation. 

In this guide, Black, Blink, & Associates LLC breaks down the process for sealing convictions including how long you must wait, what forms to complete, and how to avoid common mistakes that delay your fresh start.

1. For petty and petty drug offenses, or possession of marijuana a petition may be filed one year after final disposition or release from supervision, whichever is longer. The court will seal the record after the motion is filed and the criminal history has been filed with the court, so long as you have not been convicted of another offense since the final disposition or release from supervision.
2. For class 2 and 3 misdemeanors (M2 or M3) or any drug misdemeanor or a drug felony four (DF4) involving fentanyl, two years after final disposition or release from supervision, whichever is later, you must notify the District Attorney of your motion to seal. If the District attorney does not object, the court shall seal the record. If the District Attorney does object, the court will set the motion for a hearing. 
3. For class one misdemeanors (M1), class three or four drug felonies (DF3 and DF4), class four, five, or six felonies (F4, F5 and F6), three years  after final disposition or release from supervision, whichever is later, you must notify the District Attorney of your motion to seal. If the District attorney does not object, the court shall seal the record. If the District Attorney does object, the court will set the motion for a hearing. 
4. If petition to seal is for any other offense in article 18 of title 18, you must provide notice of the petition to the District Attorney and pay the appropriate filing fee. If the DA objects, the Court shall dismiss the petition. If the DA does not object, the Court shall set the petition for a hearing and will determine if the records should be sealed based upon the factors in §24-72-706
5. Factors to be considered under Colorado Revised Statute §24-72-706, include the severity of the offense sought to be sealed, criminal history of the defendant, the number and dates of convictions defendant is seeking to have sealed and the need for the governmental agency to retain the records.

EXCEPTIONS 

If a person is convicted of a new criminal offense after their record has been sealed by a court, the court shall (is required to) order the records to be unsealed. Any member of the public may petition the court to unseal any file previously sealed upon a showing of circumstances which have come into existence and now, as a result, the public’s interest in disclosure outweighs the defendant’s rights to privacy. Conviction records cannot be sealed if the defendant still owes restitution, court costs, fines, late fees, or other fees ordered by the court, unless the same court later vacated those orders for fees. The criminal history attached to the petition has to be current through at least the twentieth day prior to the date of filing of the petition, but in no event, later than the tenth day after the petition is filed. Defendant is responsible for obtaining  and paying for the verified copy of their criminal history.

Start Your Fresh Start with Experienced Legal Help

Successfully sealing a drug conviction in Colorado requires more than just filling out forms, it demands precision, patience, and knowledge of the law’s many nuances. The requirements differ based on offense level, filing date, and court procedure, and even a small oversight can cause a denial or costly delay.

The attorneys at Black, Blink, & Associates LLC can review your eligibility, prepare your petition accurately, and represent you through every step of the court process. Our goal is to help you move forward — with confidence and a clean slate.

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