Expungement in Colorado
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Colorado allows expungement of most felonies and misdemeanors after a waiting period, with some crimes permanently ineligible.
How Colorado treats Expungement
Colorado permits expungement under C.R.S. § 24-72-308 for most criminal convictions after a waiting period that ranges from 3 to 10 years depending on the offense level. Certain violent crimes, sex offenses, and crimes of violence remain permanently ineligible for expungement. Once granted, expungement allows you to legally deny the conviction occurred in most contexts, though law enforcement and certain government agencies retain access to sealed records.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.