DUI Expungement in Colorado

What is DUI expungement, and is it possible in Colorado?

DUI expungement is the process of having a DUI offense removed from an individual’s criminal record. In Colorado, the law allows individuals to have misdemeanor DUI offenses expunged after seven years have passed since the completion of their sentence. For felony DUI convictions, the waiting period is typically ten years.

What are the eligibility criteria for DUI expungement in Colorado?

In Colorado, you must meet the following criteria to be eligible for DUI expungement:

1. You must have completed all court-ordered requirements associated with the DUI case.

2. You must not have been convicted of any other offenses within 5 years of the DUI conviction.

3. You must not have had any other DUI convictions during the 5-year period preceding your most recent conviction.

4. You must not have a current or pending criminal case unrelated to the DUI conviction.

Is there a waiting period before someone can apply for DUI expungement in Colorado?

Yes, there is a minimum 3-year waiting period after the completion of a sentence before someone can apply for DUI expungement in Colorado.

What types of DUI convictions may be eligible for expungement in Colorado?

In Colorado, only alcohol-related DUI convictions may be eligible for expungement. This includes DUI, DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired), and UDWI (Underage Drinking and Driving).

Are there specific conditions or rehabilitation programs required for expungement eligibility in Colorado?

Yes. In Colorado, in order to be eligible for expungement, an individual must complete any rehabilitation programs or other conditions that are specific to their case. For instance, if the individual was convicted of a drug-related offense, they may be required to complete a drug rehabilitation program before they can be considered for expungement. Additionally, individuals must typically wait a certain amount of time before applying for expungement and they must meet other requirements, such as not having been convicted of any other offenses during the waiting period.

How does someone initiate the DUI expungement process in Colorado?

1. Obtain a copy of the police report and court record for the DUI charge: The first step in the DUI expungement process in Colorado is to obtain a copy of the police report and court record for the DUI charge. This can be done by submitting a request to the Colorado Department of Public Safety, or by contacting the clerk of court in the county in which the charge was filed.

2. Determine whether you are eligible for expungement: In order to be eligible to expunge a DUI conviction in Colorado, the defendant must have no other criminal convictions on their record, must not have been on parole or probation for the DUI charge, and must have completed all requirements of their sentence.

3. File an expungement petition with the court: Once you have determined that you are eligible for expungement, you must file an expungement petition with the court. This can be done by completing an Expungement Petition form, which can be obtained from your local courthouse or online. The petition must be signed by you and include all necessary documentation as well as a sworn statement attesting to your eligibility for expungement.

4. Attend a hearing: Once the petition has been filed, a hearing will be scheduled to consider your request for expungement. At the hearing, you must provide evidence to show that you are eligible for expungement and explain why it is in your best interest to receive an order of expungement.

5. Receive an order of expungement: If the court grants your petition, it will issue an order of expungement. This order will require all government agencies to seal or destroy any records related to your DUI charge and prevent any such records from being released without a court order.

What documentation or evidence is needed when applying for expungement in Colorado?

When applying for an expungement in Colorado, you will need to provide the court with evidence that supports your petition. Depending on the reason for the expungement, you may need to submit police reports, witness statements, photographs, court documents, and other proof of the incident. You may also need to provide evidence of rehabilitation efforts since the incident and any evidence that shows that you have not been involved in further criminal activity. You must also provide proof of your identity, including a driver’s license or state-issued identification card.

Are there fees associated with filing for DUI expungement in Colorado?

Yes, there is usually a fee associated with filing for DUI expungement in Colorado. The exact amount and type of fee will depend on the specific court in which you are filing. Generally, there is a filing fee, as well as any additional fees for copies of court documents or other related costs.

Can individuals with multiple DUI convictions apply for expungement in Colorado?

No. Individuals with multiple DUI convictions cannot apply for expungement in Colorado. DUI convictions are not eligible for expungement in the state.

Does expungement result in the complete removal of the DUI record, or is it sealed in Colorado?

In Colorado, an expungement seals a DUI record, meaning that it is no longer available to the public. However, the record still exists and may be accessed by law enforcement and other government agencies in certain situations.

How do employers, landlords, and background check companies view expunged DUI records in Colorado?

In Colorado, an expunged DUI record is not visible to employers, landlords, or background check companies. According to state law, an expunged DUI record is sealed and not available for public inspection. As such, employers, landlords, and background check companies will not be able to see the expunged record. However, the court may still have access to the expunged DUI record.

Is there a difference between expungement and setting aside a DUI conviction in Colorado?

Yes, there is a difference between expungement and setting aside a DUI conviction in Colorado. Expungement is the process of permanently removing an arrest or conviction from a person’s criminal record. Setting aside a DUI conviction in Colorado means that the court sets aside or reverses the conviction. This means that the conviction will no longer exist on the individual’s criminal record, however, the individual will still be required to serve out any sentence imposed by the court.

Can expunged DUI records be used against an individual in future DUI cases in Colorado?

No, expunged DUI records cannot be used as evidence against an individual in future DUI cases in Colorado. However, they may be used as evidence of previous impaired driving convictions for the purpose of determining sentencing for any subsequent convictions.

Do expunged DUI records affect professional licensing or certifications in Colorado?

The answer to this question depends on the specific professional licensing or certification. Generally speaking, professional licenses and certifications in Colorado may still consider expunged DUI records when making decisions about an applicant’s eligibility. However, some organizations may be more flexible or lenient when considering expunged DUI records, so it is best to check with the specific licensing board or organization to determine their policy.

Are there any restrictions on firearm ownership after DUI expungement in Colorado?

No, there are no restrictions on firearm ownership after a DUI expungement in Colorado. However, if you have been convicted of a felony involving the use of a firearm, have been adjudicated as a mental defective or have been committed to any mental institution, then you are prohibited from owning a firearm in Colorado.

Is there a waiting period for expungement to take effect after approval in Colorado?

Yes, there is a waiting period for expungement to take effect after approval in Colorado. State law requires a 30-day waiting period before an expungement can take effect. This waiting period allows prosecutors and other interested parties to object to the expungement and challenge it in court if they so desire.

What role does the court or prosecutor play in the DUI expungement process in Colorado?

The court and prosecutor play an important role in the DUI expungement process in Colorado. The court will review the motion for expungement and determine whether or not the criteria has been met for granting the expungement. The prosecutor may also be given the opportunity to respond to the petition and provide their own recommendations. Ultimately, it is up to the court’s discretion as to whether or not the expungement is granted.

Are there resources or organizations that provide guidance on DUI expungement in Colorado?

Yes. There are several organizations and resources available in Colorado that provide guidance on DUI expungement. The Colorado State Public Defender’s Office provides free legal advice and assistance for individuals seeking to expunge their DUI record. The Colorado Office of the Attorney General also provides resources and information on DUI expungement. Additionally, Colorado Lawyers for Change is a non-profit organization that offers pro bono legal services to those seeking DUI expungement.

What is the timeline for completing the DUI expungement process in Colorado?

The timeline for completing the DUI expungement process in Colorado can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s backlog. However, generally speaking, it takes approximately 6-12 months to complete the entire process. The timeline includes the following steps:

1. File a petition with the court requesting an expungement.

2. The court will review your petition and schedule a hearing.

3. Attend the hearing and present your case before a judge.

4. The court will issue a ruling on your petition.

5. If approved, file an Order with the court to seal your record.

6. Once all documents are filed and approved, your DUI record will be sealed and removed from public view.

How does DUI expungement impact immigration status, if applicable in Colorado?

In general, a DUI conviction can have a significant impact on immigration status. Depending on the specific circumstances, a DUI conviction may lead to deportation, denial of entry into the country, or denial of naturalization.

In Colorado, DUI expungement may help to mitigate the potential immigration consequences of a DUI conviction. Expungement allows an individual to legally state that the conviction did not occur. However, it does not necessarily change the fact that the conviction occurred in the eyes of immigration, and the individual must still disclose the conviction when asked by immigration officials. Additionally, in some cases, immigration officials may be able to access records of an expunged conviction in order to determine immigration status. Therefore, DUI expungement may help to mitigate the potential immigration consequences of a DUI conviction; however, it does not guarantee that all negative immigration consequences will be avoided.