If you’ve gone through the process of clearing your criminal history, you might be wondering how to check if your record has been expunged. The last thing you want is to think that your past is behind you, only to find out that your record can still be accessed. You may need to confirm your expungement if you have applied for a job, tried to secure housing, or just want peace of mind. If you have questions about expungement, contact McAdams Law Office of Greeley, Colorado, to guide you through the expungement process and make sure your records are sealed.
Expungement is the legal process of having an arrest or conviction removed from your record. Expungement means treating the offense as if it had never happened so courts, law enforcement officials, and most employers will not have access to it. But there are only limited cases of true expungement in Colorado for juvenile offenses and some drug-related arrests, for instance. If you do not qualify for expungement, you may be eligible for record sealing, which limits public access to your record while still allowing certain agencies to view it.
The easiest method of verifying your expungement is with a criminal background check. You may request your record from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). If your expungement has been effectively processed, it should not show up in the general population. If any charge or conviction is still on the record, it may suggest that the expungement process is incomplete.
If you’re uncertain about the status of your expungement, it is best to call the court that handled your case. The court clerk can verify if your order of expungement has been processed and if the record has or has not been deleted from public view. This process is especially helpful if you suspect that clerical mistakes have hindered the update or caused delays.
Even with an expungement ordered by the court, errors can occur. A lawyer can guarantee all the proper steps were followed, and your record is cleared as it should be. If you had your expungement granted but are still showing up on background checks, an attorney can work to resolve any discrepancies.
Even after a judge grants an expungement, administrative errors or delays in updating records can cause issues. If your record still appears in public databases, it is important to address the problem promptly to ensure your expungement is fully recognized and enforced.
Sometimes, the court may have approved your expungement, but the necessary agencies failed to update your record. If this happens, a quick call to the court or law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining records can help resolve the issue.
Law enforcement agencies and databases, such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), are required to comply with expungement orders. However, some agencies may take longer than expected to update their records. If your record is still appearing, an attorney can follow up with the appropriate departments to ensure the expungement is properly processed.
In some cases, state expungements do not automatically remove records from federal databases. If your information was entered into an FBI or national database, you may need to submit a separate request for its removal. Your attorney can guide you through this process to ensure that no outstanding records remain.
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If you’ve taken the necessary steps but still see your record appearing, it’s crucial to follow up. Colorado law requires all relevant agencies to remove an expunged record, but mistakes can happen. Always double-check by requesting updated background checks and confirming with the court that all orders have been followed.
Colorado law has strict eligibility requirements for expungement. In most cases, adult convictions cannot be completely erased; however, record sealing may be possible for certain non-violent offenses. An attorney can help you explore alternative legal options if your case does not qualify.
At times, individuals may face challenges in providing the necessary documentation to demonstrate their eligibility for expungement. Courts typically require substantial evidence, such as proof of completed sentencing and a record free of additional offenses since the conviction. An attorney can assist in gathering and presenting this information to strengthen your case.
Even if you meet the eligibility requirements, the expungement process can take several months due to court backlogs and administrative delays. Properly completing and submitting all required paperwork and following up with the court can help expedite the process.
If you are unsure how to check whether your record has been expunged, the team at McAdams Law Office is here to help. Find us at 822 7th Street Suite 530 Greeley, CO 80631 or contact us at (970) 353-0000. As experienced criminal defense attorneys in Greeley, we ensure that your expungement is processed correctly and fully removed from public records.
| DUI/DWAI Victories | Criminal Defense Wins |
|---|---|
People v. S.M.Two DUIs downgraded to DWAI, |
People v. M.J.Assault and child abuse charges |
People v. S.D.DUI dismissed, pled to |
People v. S.C.Theft charge dropped, |
People v. B.S.Breath test challenged, |
People v. A.E.Drug charges dismissed, |
People v. E.B.No jail, favorable plea despite |
People v. J.K.Burglary plea reduced, |
People v. R.G.One DWAI dismissed, another reduced with minimal work release. |
People v. C.R.Traffic offense reduced, |
William T. McAdams, known as Bill, is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor. Since establishing McAdams Law Office in 2006, he has represented clients in cases including DUI, domestic violence, and theft, handling over 100 jury trials. Bill serves clients predominantly in Weld and Larimer counties, including Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Loveland, and Fort Collins. An active community volunteer and member of multiple legal associations, he is dedicated to protecting his clients’ rights.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partiner, William McAdams who has more than 25 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.