Criminal records can create significant barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities for individuals in Denver and across Colorado. The Clean Slate Act has simplified record sealing by automatically clearing eligible charges without requiring court petitions. This transformative law, effective July 1, 2024, marks the most significant change to Colorado’s expungement system in decades.

Knowing which records qualify for automatic sealing empowers individuals to understand if past convictions or non-convictions can be removed from public view. At the Law Office of Kimberly Diego, our Denver criminal defense lawyer helps clients navigate these protections for a fresh start.

What Is Colorado’s Clean Slate Act and How Does It Work?

Colorado’s Clean Slate Act (Senate Bill 22-099) became effective July 1, 2024. It allows automatic sealing of eligible criminal records without court petitions. The State Court Administrator compiles quarterly lists of qualifying records after specified waiting periods and notifies district attorneys, who have 45 days to object. Sealed records are then removed from public databases by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and other agencies. This automatic process applies to qualifying misdemeanors, certain low-level felonies, and non-conviction records, making relief more accessible for individuals across Denver and Colorado.

Records That Automatically Qualify for Sealing Under Colorado Law

The Clean Slate Act provides automatic sealing for these records:

• Non-conviction records, such as dismissals, acquittals, or charges not filed
• Misdemeanor convictions after a 7-year waiting period
• Eligible Class 4, 5, and 6 felony convictions after a 10-year waiting period
• Drug possession and select distribution offenses
• Records identified in the State Court Administrator’s quarterly sealing lists

These represent the majority of eligible cases covered under the law. Qualifying records are sealed without fees or petitions, restoring privacy and creating opportunities for Denver residents.

Criminal Records That Cannot Be Sealed in Colorado

Some criminal offenses remain ineligible for automated sealing under the Clean Slate Act:

• Class 1, 2, and 3 Felony Convictions: The most serious felony offenses, including violent and high-level crimes, cannot be sealed.
• DUI and DWAI Convictions: Drunk and impaired driving charges remain permanently on record.
• Domestic Violence Convictions: Any offense involving domestic violence is excluded from sealing.
• Sexual Assault and Other Sex Crimes: Sexual offenses are considered too serious to qualify for sealing.
• Child Abuse and Exploitation Charges: Crimes against children cannot be sealed under Colorado law.
• Violent Crimes with Weapons Enhancements: Convictions involving weapons use or enhancements remain public.

These exclusions ensure public safety and accountability. If your conviction falls within these categories, petition-based record sealing or other legal remedies may still be possible.

Timeline and Process for Automatic Record Sealing in Denver

The process follows these steps:

• Quarterly review by the State Court Administrator identifies eligible records
• District attorneys have 45 days to object to sealing
• Sealed records are removed from law enforcement and public databases
• Notice is sent to the relevant agencies and employers
• Records may be unsealed if new convictions occur

This structured workflow reduces administrative burdens and speeds relief for those seeking to clear eligible records.

Benefits of Having Your Criminal Record Sealed in Colorado

Sealing your record under the Clean Slate Act helps remove barriers to jobs, housing, and professional licenses. Once sealed, records generally do not appear on routine background checks by employers and landlords, allowing you to answer “no” when asked about those past charges on most applications. This helps restore privacy and dignity while improving access to opportunities throughout Denver.

Our Denver criminal defense attorney team at the Law Office of Kimberly Diego can guide you through eligibility and ensure proper sealing.

How to Check if Your Records Qualify for Colorado’s Automatic Expungement

To determine eligibility for Colorado’s automatic expungement, obtain a complete criminal history report from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation or your local court. Compare your records against offenses and waiting periods specified under the Clean Slate Act. If your records appear on quarterly sealing lists, they will be sealed automatically without further action.

If not, or if you have ineligible offenses, our Denver criminal defense lawyer team can assess your situation and help pursue petition-based sealing if applicable.

Discuss Record Sealing With a Denver, CO Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney

Colorado’s Clean Slate Act provides Denver residents the opportunity to automatically clear eligible criminal records, opening doors to improved employment, housing, and education without costly court proceedings. At the Law Office of Kimberly Diego, our experienced Denver criminal defense attorney assists clients through both automatic sealing and petition-based options to protect rights and restore privacy.

Don’t let an old conviction hold you back. Contact us online or call (720) 257-5346 to learn how we can help you take the next step toward a fresh start.