A misdemeanor conviction can follow you long after you’ve paid your fines, completed probation, and moved on with your life. Background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and licensing boards can surface a years-old conviction and create obstacles that feel impossible to overcome. Fortunately, Colorado law gives many people the opportunity to seal their criminal records and if you have a misdemeanor on your record in Larimer County, it may be worth exploring whether you qualify.
Fort Collins Record Sealing Attorney: What Does It Mean to Seal a Record?
When a criminal record is sealed in Colorado, it is hidden from public view. It will not appear on most background checks, and you are generally permitted to answer “no” when asked about a criminal history on job applications or housing forms. The record, however, is not destroyed. Law enforcement and certain government agencies can still access it, but for most everyday purposes, a sealed record is as though the case never happened.
Colorado’s Eligibility Rules for Misdemeanor Sealing: Can You Seal Your Fort Collins Case?
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-706 and related provisions, most misdemeanor convictions are eligible for sealing after a waiting period has been satisfied. The waiting period is measured from the end of the case. This means after your final release from supervision, payment of fines, or completion of any sentence.
For most misdemeanor convictions, the waiting period is three years. However, certain offenses carry longer waiting periods or are entirely ineligible for sealing, including misdemeanor domestic violence convictions, misdemeanor DUI and DWAI convictions, and certain sex offenses. If your case was dismissed or you were acquitted, you may be eligible to petition for sealing immediately with no waiting period.
It is also worth noting that cases involving a conviction for a drug misdemeanor may fall under a separate sealing pathway with different timelines, so the specific nature of your charge matters enormously.
The Sealing Process in Larimer County
Sealing a criminal record for a conviction in Colorado is not automatic. It requires filing a petition with the court where the case was originally heard. In Fort Collins, that means the Larimer County District Court or Larimer County Court, depending on the level of the offense. The process involves filing the correct forms, paying applicable fees, providing notice to the prosecuting agency, and potentially attending a hearing if the prosecution objects.
Having an attorney guide you through this process ensures the petition is filed correctly, deadlines are met, and your best case is presented to the court.
Should I Seal My Larimer County Misdemeanor Criminal Conviction? A Clean Slate Is Worth Pursuing!
If a misdemeanor conviction has been holding you back in Fort Collins or anywhere in Larimer County, sealing your record could open doors that have been closed for years. The process takes time and attention to detail, but the long-term benefits to your career, housing options, and peace of mind can be substantial.
If you or someone you love has a misdemeanor criminal record and are looking into record sealing, contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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