Having a criminal record can follow you for years even after you have finished serving your sentence or the charges are dropped. In Colorado, everyone has the right to have their criminal records sealed. Once your records are sealed, they are no longer available to the public, even potential employers and landlords. This holds regardless of whether you will be accused of another offense in the future.
According to Section 19-1-103 in Colorado, once a record has been expunged in a municipal court, for juveniles you have the right to lawfully deny ever being arrested or charged. The convictions that can be sealed in Colorado include misdemeanors, class 4,5,6, and non-sex felonies, and petty offenses.
In this article, we will discuss why you should seal your criminal record in Colorado Springs and how it will benefit you.
Access to Better Job Opportunities
Most employers do background checks before hiring in Colorado. This means even a minor offense can lead to a rejection. When you seal your record, it will not appear even when your potential employer does the most standard background check.
As mentioned, the law allows you to answer “no” when you are asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime. This alone can make a huge difference in whether or not you will get the job of your dreams.
Decent Housing Opportunities
In Colorado Springs, when looking to rent a house, landlords ask for:
- Income and employment status and supporting documents like pay stubs and bank statements.
- Phone numbers of references.
- Rental history.
- Background check including criminal history.
Unfortunately, it is common for landlords to deny housing due to a past criminal conviction. This can make it hard to find a safe and stable place to live. By sealing your records, you improve your chances of getting approved for renting and will have more housing options.
To Protect Your Reputation
Criminal records are public in Colorado unless they are sealed. This means anyone can look you up. Generally, people are prejudiced against anyone with a criminal record. Sealing your record helps to protect your reputation by making your criminal history more private.
This can reduce the social stigma for you and your family. It also helps in maintaining personal and professional relationships.
Peace of Mind
After completing a sentence, everyone wants to move on and start a new chapter. However, living with a criminal record can be stressful, as you may constantly worry about who will discover your past and how they will perceive the information.
Sealing your records gives you a sense of closure and control. It ensures your past mistakes don’t continue to define you or limit your future. For many people, this is an important step in moving on.
Conclusion
Sealing your record is one of the most impactful steps you can take to rebuild your life. However, not all offenses qualify to be sealed. For example, in Colorado, traffic offenses like DUIs cannot be sealed. Additionally, there is a waiting period depending on the nature of the crime. Instead of letting your past life hold you back, contact a qualified attorney to find out if you are eligible to seal your record and start afresh.
