No matter if you committed a crime as a minor or an adult, a criminal record in Denver can have reverberating effects on your life. Partnering with a skilled criminal defense attorney is a critical step for getting records sealed or expunged.

Clearing Your Criminal Record in Denver Starts Here

From low-level misdemeanors to serious criminal charges, mistakes happen. What matters most is how you move forward. No matter the crime in question, a criminal record can inhibit your ability to secure housing, find work, and more.

As a leading criminal defense firm in Denver, Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. knows the most effective strategies for sealing and expunging records in the area.

Sealing vs Expungement in Denver: What’s the Difference?

While both sealing and expungement help clear criminal records in Denver, there are some differentiating factors between the two.

In Denver, sealing a criminal record means it’s no longer visible to the public, but law enforcement can still access it. Expungement, on the other hand, permanently removes the record from databases—as if the offense never happened.

In Denver, records for minor offenses (misdemeanors or low-level felonies) are often eligible for sealing. Expungement, by contrast, is typically reserved for juvenile cases or rare situations, such as crimes committed under a stolen identity.

The Value of a Qualified Denver Criminal Defense Attorney

Getting a criminal record sealed or expunged in Denver takes a strong familiarity with the local legal landscape. It’s also important that you know exactly how your level of crime is commonly treated in Denver courts.

Working closely in Colorado’s Front Range, the team at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. has helped a wide variety of clients in Denver clear their records.

We’re here to help!

How Do I Get My Record Sealed or Expunged in Denver?

To seal or expunge your record in Denver, you must clearly understand your criminal history and follow the proper legal process for eligibility and filing.

Criminal records are sealed in Colorado by meeting time requirements for automatic sealing or by actively petitioning the court.

Whether you qualify for a record seal in Colorado depends on the type of offense, conviction status, your age at the time, and when the case was closed. In Denver, records eligible for sealing generally include petty offenses, misdemeanors, Class 4-6 felonies, and other non-sex offense felonies.

When petitioning to have your record sealed, you begin by obtaining copies of your criminal records. Next, fill out the forms and file the petition with the appropriate Denver court. Finally, wait for a judge to make a decision on your case.

Record expungement in Denver is almost exclusively reserved for juvenile crimes.

While certain crimes are automatically sealed when they meet certain time requirements, this is not the case with expungement.

Eligibility for expungement in Denver depends on the outcome and severity of a juvenile case. For example, an expungement may be immediate if charges were dismissed. Serious charges and repeat offenses require a 1-5 year waiting period before they are eligible for expungement.

If you meet the criteria for expungement, file a motion for a hearing and explain your position to a Denver court.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing for Sealing & Expungement

Without a skilled defense attorney on your side, it's easy to make mistakes when petitioning for record sealing or expungement in Denver. Common oversights include:

• Filing before eligible
• Failure to include your full criminal record
• Petitioning for ineligible offenses
• Not serving required parties
• Missing court deadlines or paperwork requirements

Whether you are aiming for record sealing or expungement, you must follow the letter of the law when petitioning the Denver courts.

What Happens if I Don’t Get a Record Sealed or Expunged?

Even if it was a crime that you committed as a minor, a criminal record can be a serious hindrance to your life. If you don’t get a record sealed or expunged, it can restrict your ability to:

• Find a house
• Get a job
• Join the military
• Acquire student loans

Start a New Chapter with Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C.

A criminal record shouldn’t define your future. Backed by 30 years of experience and a deep knowledge of the Denver court system, Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. will take every step necessary to get your record sealed or expunged.

Whether you’re dealing with a juvenile crime or something more serious, it’s our privilege to help you regain control of your future.