Denver Criminal Defense Law Firm Focuses on Record Expungement

Castle Rock Expungement Attorney Will Help Clear Your Criminal Record

Expungement is the process of legally destroying records or information relating to criminal charges in files, computers, or other depositories. Although the records do not magically disappear, they cannot be accessed for general law enforcement or civil use and can only be accessed under certain exceptional situations.

What Records Can Be Expunged?

Records in criminal court, correctional facility, and law enforcement or criminal justice agencies can be expunged, including those regarding a person’s:

• Detection
• Apprehension
• Arrest
• Detention
• Trial
• Disposition

Expungement erases a person’s criminal record of arrest and/or conviction and legally deems it to have never occurred, and these records may only be inspected by order of the court, after good cause is established at a hearing.

How to Expunge Your Record

A person of interest may petition the district court in which the criminal records are located for expungement if the records involve a criminal defense that was not charged, the case was dismissed, or the person of interest was acquitted. The petition must include a listing of each custodian of the records to be expunged, along with a complete identification of the records to be sealed.

Upon filing of the petition, the court will review it and determine whether or not there are grounds to hold a hearing. If grounds exist, a hearing will take place and if it is determined that the petitioner’s interest in expunging his records outweigh the public interest in retaining them, the court will order that the records be expunged. After the order is entered, the criminal records no longer exist — meaning that employers, educational institutions, government agencies, officials, and employees cannot require an applicant to disclose them on an application or in an interview.

Contact a Front Range Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Are you interested in having your criminal record expunged, but don’t know where to start? Castle Rock expungement of records attorney Michael T. Kossen, P.C. has focused his entire law practice solely on criminal defense and served the needs of Colorado clients since 1991. Contact our firm online or call (303) 791-6500 to schedule your free initial case evaluation today.