If you're living in Littleton with a criminal record, you may be wondering whether you can clear or seal that record to improve your job prospects, housing options, or simply move forward with your life. Colorado law offers two main options: expungement and record sealing. Understanding the difference between these processes, what you're eligible for, and how to navigate the system can help you take the right next step. This guide explains what Colorado law allows, how the process works in Littleton, and when you might want to consult a lawyer.
Understanding Colorado's Expungement and Record Sealing Laws
In Colorado, "expungement" and "record sealing" are distinct legal processes, though people often use the terms interchangeably. Both are designed to limit public access to your criminal record, but they work differently under state law.
Expungement means the complete destruction or erasure of arrest records in cases where charges were never filed, dismissed, or resulted in acquittal. When a record is expunged, it's as if the arrest never happened. Law enforcement agencies, courts, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation must physically destroy the records. You can legally deny the arrest ever occurred in most situations.
Record sealing, on the other hand, means your criminal conviction or court records are hidden from public view but not destroyed. Government agencies, courts, and law enforcement can still access sealed records under certain circumstances, but the general public—including most employers, landlords, and licensing boards—cannot. Sealed records don't show up on standard background checks.
Colorado's record sealing laws have expanded significantly in recent years. As of 2024 and continuing into 2026, Colorado allows the sealing of many misdemeanor and felony convictions after certain waiting periods, provided you meet eligibility requirements. This makes Colorado one of the more accessible states for clearing criminal records.
Who Is Eligible for Expungement in Littleton?
Expungement in Colorado is more limited than record sealing. You can petition for expungement if:
- You were arrested but never charged with a crime
- Charges were filed but later dismissed
- You were acquitted (found not guilty) at trial
- Your conviction was overturned on appeal
- You successfully completed a deferred judgment or diversion program and the case was dismissed
For juvenile cases, Colorado also allows expungement of certain juvenile records, though the rules differ from adult expungement.
If you have an actual conviction on your record—meaning you pleaded guilty or were found guilty—you're not eligible for expungement. Instead, you would pursue record sealing.
Who Can Seal Their Criminal Record in Colorado?
Record sealing eligibility depends on the type of offense, how much time has passed, and your criminal history since the conviction. As of 2026, here's what Colorado law allows:
For petty offenses and municipal violations: You can petition to seal these records one year after your case is fully completed, including any probation, fines, or community service.
For misdemeanors: Most misdemeanor convictions can be sealed three years after you've completed your entire sentence, including probation. This includes common offenses like DUI, theft, assault in the third degree, and drug possession.
For drug felonies: Many drug felonies can be sealed three years after completing your sentence. Colorado law treats drug convictions more leniently for sealing purposes, reflecting the state's evolving stance on drug offenses.
For other felonies: Non-drug felonies—such as felony theft, burglary, or fraud—can often be sealed five years after completing your sentence. Some violent felonies and sex offenses are not eligible for sealing.
You must have no new criminal convictions during the waiting period, and you must have completed all aspects of your sentence, including restitution to victims. Colorado courts will not seal your record if you have pending criminal charges or if you've been convicted of certain ineligible offenses, including most sex crimes, crimes against children, and certain violent felonies.
If you're unsure whether your conviction qualifies, a Colorado criminal defense lawyer can review your record and advise you on your options.
The Record Sealing Process in Littleton
The process for sealing your record in Colorado involves filing a petition with the court that handled your original case. If your case was in Littleton Municipal Court or Arapahoe County Court, you'll file there. Here's how the process typically works:
Step 1: Obtain your criminal record. Request a copy of your Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) criminal history. This document will show all your arrests and convictions in Colorado and help you determine what's eligible for sealing.
Step 2: Verify eligibility. Confirm that enough time has passed since you completed your sentence and that you meet all other requirements. Check that you have no pending charges and that your offense is eligible under Colorado law.
Step 3: Prepare and file the petition. Colorado courts provide forms for petitioning to seal records. You'll need to complete the petition, file it with the appropriate court, and pay the filing fee (typically around $65 to $224, depending on the court and offense type). If you cannot afford the fee, you can request a fee waiver.
Step 4: Notify the district attorney. Colorado law requires that you provide notice to the district attorney's office that prosecuted your case. The DA has the opportunity to object to your petition.
Step 5: Attend the hearing (if required). In some cases, the court will grant your petition without a hearing, especially if the DA does not object. In other cases, the judge will schedule a hearing where you can present your reasons for sealing the record. The DA may argue against sealing if they believe it's not in the interest of justice.
Step 6: Court decision. If the judge grants your petition, the court will issue an order directing law enforcement agencies, the CBI, and other entities to seal your record. This process can take several weeks to months to complete across all databases.
How Long Does Expungement or Sealing Take in Colorado?
The timeline varies depending on whether your case is straightforward and whether the district attorney objects. For expungement of dismissed or acquitted charges, the process often takes two to four months from filing to completion. If the DA doesn't object and the court grants your petition quickly, it may be faster.
For record sealing of convictions, the process typically takes three to six months, sometimes longer if the court schedules a contested hearing. Once the judge signs the sealing order, it can take additional weeks for all agencies to update their records and remove your information from public databases.
If you're working with a lawyer, they can often expedite parts of the process by ensuring your paperwork is correct and complete from the start.
Will Sealing Your Record Help With Jobs and Housing in Littleton?
Yes, sealing your record can significantly improve your employment and housing prospects. Once your record is sealed, it will not appear on most background checks conducted by private employers, landlords, or licensing boards. You can legally answer "no" when asked whether you've been convicted of a crime, with some exceptions.
Employers in Littleton and throughout Colorado typically rely on commercial background check services that pull from public court records. Once those records are sealed, they disappear from these searches. This can make a substantial difference if you've been denied jobs or housing due to your criminal history.
However, sealed records are not completely invisible. Government agencies, courts, and law enforcement can still access them. Certain licensing boards—such as those for healthcare, law, or education—may also have access to sealed records or may require you to disclose them regardless of sealing. If you're applying for a professional license, check with a lawyer about your disclosure obligations.
Federal employers and positions requiring federal security clearance may also require disclosure of sealed records. Additionally, if you're charged with a new crime, prosecutors can access your sealed records to determine charges and sentencing.
Can You Seal Multiple Convictions?
Yes, Colorado law allows you to petition to seal multiple convictions, but each case must meet the eligibility requirements individually. You'll need to file a separate petition for each case, and courts will evaluate each one based on the type of offense, the waiting period, and your criminal history since that conviction.
If you have a lengthy criminal history, courts may be less likely to grant sealing for some or all of your cases, especially if you have recent convictions or if the offenses were serious. Judges have discretion to deny petitions even when you're technically eligible if they believe sealing the record is not in the interest of justice.
What Records Can Never Be Sealed in Colorado?
Colorado law prohibits sealing certain types of convictions, including:
- Most sex offenses, including sexual assault, unlawful sexual contact, and indecent exposure
- Crimes against at-risk adults or juveniles
- Most class 1 and class 2 felonies, including murder, kidnapping, and first-degree arson
- Felony DUI convictions (misdemeanor DUIs can be sealed after a longer waiting period)
- Certain crimes of violence as defined by Colorado law
- Human trafficking offenses
If your conviction falls into one of these categories, you will not be able to seal it under current Colorado law. A lawyer can review your specific conviction to confirm whether it's eligible.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Expungement or Record Sealing?
You are not required to hire a lawyer to file an expungement or record sealing petition in Colorado. The court forms are publicly available, and many people successfully petition on their own, especially for straightforward cases like dismissed charges or single misdemeanor convictions.
That said, hiring a lawyer can be beneficial if:
- Your case is complicated or involves multiple convictions
- The district attorney objects to your petition
- You're unsure whether your offense is eligible for sealing
- You need help gathering documentation or navigating the court process
- Your case requires a hearing, and you want representation
An experienced Colorado criminal defense lawyer can evaluate your record, advise you on what's eligible, handle the paperwork, communicate with the DA's office, and represent you at any hearing. This can increase your chances of success and reduce the time and stress involved.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer for Expungement?
Legal fees for expungement or record sealing in Colorado vary depending on the complexity of your case and the lawyer's experience. For a straightforward expungement of dismissed charges, some lawyers charge flat fees ranging from $500 to $1,500. For record sealing of convictions, especially if the case requires a hearing or the DA objects, fees typically range from $1,500 to $3,500 or more.
Many lawyers offer free or low-cost initial consultations where they'll review your record and give you an estimate. Some also offer payment plans if you cannot afford the full fee upfront.
Even if you hire a lawyer, you'll still need to pay court filing fees separately, as these go directly to the court.
What Happens After Your Record Is Sealed?
Once the court grants your petition and issues the sealing order, the process of removing your records from public access begins. The court will send the order to law enforcement agencies, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and any other entities that maintain records related to your case. These agencies must then seal or remove the records from their public databases.
This process is not instant. It can take several weeks to several months for all agencies to comply with the order. During this time, your record may still appear on some background checks. After the process is complete, you should verify that your record no longer appears by running a background check on yourself.
Once sealed, you can legally deny the conviction in most situations. If someone asks whether you've been convicted of a crime—on a job application, rental application, or in casual conversation—you can answer "no" in Colorado. However, as mentioned earlier, some government agencies, professional licensing boards, and federal employers may require disclosure regardless of sealing.
Other Options If You're Not Eligible for Sealing
If your conviction is not eligible for sealing, you may still have options to improve your situation. Colorado law allows for pardons in some cases, though pardons are difficult to obtain and typically reserved for extraordinary circumstances. You can also pursue a certificate of rehabilitation or other forms of relief depending on the nature of your conviction.
Additionally, some convictions become eligible for sealing after longer waiting periods. For example, if you were convicted of a felony DUI, you may not be able to seal it for many years, but the law may change or you may eventually meet the criteria. Consulting with a lawyer periodically can help you stay informed about your options as your case ages.
Finding a Lawyer in Littleton for Record Sealing
If you're ready to pursue expungement or record sealing, or if you're unsure whether you're eligible, finding a qualified Colorado lawyer is a good first step. Look for criminal defense attorneys who have experience with expungement and record sealing cases in Colorado. Many lawyers who handle criminal defense also handle post-conviction relief, including sealing petitions.
When you reach out to a lawyer, consider asking these questions:
- Have you handled expungement or record sealing cases in Colorado?
- What is your success rate with these types of petitions?
- How much do you charge, and do you offer payment plans?
- How long do you expect the process to take?
- Will you represent me at a hearing if the DA objects?
Most lawyers will review your criminal record during an initial consultation and give you an honest assessment of your chances and options. If you cannot afford a private lawyer, some legal aid organizations in Colorado offer assistance with record sealing for low-income individuals.
Clearing your criminal record in Littleton is a realistic goal if you meet Colorado's eligibility requirements. Whether you're seeking expungement of dismissed charges or sealing of a conviction, understanding the process and your rights can help you take control of your future. If you're ready to move forward, consider reaching out to a Colorado lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you present the strongest case to the court.