Sealing a Criminal Record in Colorado | Greeley Record Sealing Lawyer
When you have a Criminal Record in Greeley, Colorado, it can be difficult to find housing, gain employment, and protect your valuable reputation. If you have a criminal record, it is important that you get it sealed as quickly as you can, so you don’t have to deal with these hinderances any longer. When your Criminal Record is Sealed, the only entity that has access to your previous charges is the government. Under Colorado law, you can legally deny having been convicted of the crime to new employers, new landlords, and everyone else. However, it is important to know that only some offenses can be sealed. Most crimes of violence and sexual offenses cannot be sealed, but these offenses can:
- Drug Convictions
- Petty Offenses
- Municipal Violations
- Alcohol and Marijuana Offenses, if convicted while underage
- Drinking and Driving Underage
- Juvenile Convictions – the process is called Expungement
- Many others
Criminal Record Sealed in Weld County? Here’s why it is Important
When you have a Weld County Criminal Record following you around, life can be difficult. Everyone knows that you’ve been convicted of something. Even if you have successfully completed your sentence and maybe even treatment, it still affects your daily life. By getting your Criminal Record Sealed, you no longer have to explain yourself to everyone. You can answer ‘no’ when an employer asks if you’re a convicted felon. When someone performs a background check on you, whether you’re aware they’re doing this or not, they will no longer be able to see your conviction.
Many people know that if you have a criminal conviction on your record, many jobs and landlords will deny you on that alone. This can make it extremely difficult to find employment and to make ends meet. It becomes more difficult to start over and rebuild your life. In addition to that, did you know that some countries, like Canada, will not allow American convicted felons into their county? By sealing your record, you’re also more likely able to travel abroad as many foreign governments also will not have access to your criminal record. This varies by country, so be sure to check on their rules before planning your trip.
When Can I Seal my Criminal Record in Windsor and Longmont, Colorado?
Depending on the case, and the outcome of the case in Windsor and Longmont, Colorado, there might be a waiting period for when you are eligible to get your Criminal Record Sealed. If you were arrested, but acquitted at trial, you can seal your record immediately. If you were convicted for a crime, you might have to wait a few years after your full sentence has been completed. With many convictions, you are not eligible to seal your record. It all depends on your situation. If you think this is something you’re eligible for, contact our office and we can get started helping you seal your record.
How Do I Seal My Criminal Record in Greeley and Northern Colorado?
To Seal your Criminal Record in Greeley and Northern Colorado, the steps depend on your case; but, generally there a few things that need to be completed.
- First, we need to obtain your criminal record from the police department where you were convicted.
- Next, we need to get a current and verified copy of your criminal history from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
- Then, we need to complete a petition to seal your record.
- Our office will then file the petition to seal for you.
- The Courts will then review your petition. They can either accept, deny, or schedule a hearing before deciding on your petition.
- Finally, if the judge approves of your petition, they will issue an order to seal. We or the court will then send copies of the order to all of the agencies that have your criminal record on file. So, we would send the order to the CBI, and the police department where your conviction or arrest occurred.
How Long Until My Criminal Record is Actually Sealed in Windsor and Lyons?
The wait for your Record to be Sealed official is not an extremely long process in Windsor and Lyons. From the time that we file your petition with the courts, it will take the judge anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months to approve and grant the petition to seal. Then, we mail copies of the order to those who need it, like the CBI, the police department, the jail and the District Attorney. Finally, once those entities have received the order, it will be about 30 days until your Criminal Record is officially Sealed.
If your Petition is Denied in Weld County …
When the Court denies a petition to seal in Weld County, they will send a letter or court pleading to us explaining why your petition was denied. This provides you the ability to fix or redo anything in order to refile your petition to seal. Sometimes, you might still have more time to wait to be eligible for filing a record sealing petition. If this happens to you, our lawyers can walk you through the intricacies of this process.
Think You’re Eligible to Seal Your Criminal Record in Greeley, Colorado?
If you think you’re eligible to Seal your Criminal Record in Greeley, Colorado contact our office today! We would be happy to be a part of the process of granting you freedom from your past mistakes. By sealing your record, you will finally be able to let go of what happened, and you can focus on your future. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.