Breckenridge Criminal Defense Attorney J.B. Katz Explains How Colorado Record Sealing Works Under the Clean Slate Act

Law Offices of J.B. Katz, P.C. shares sealing, court petitions, and eligibility restrictions for residents of Summit County and Colorado’s mountain communities.

BRECKENRIDGE, CO, UNITED STATES, October 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Law Offices of J.B. Katz, P.C., a criminal defense firm based in Breckenridge, Colorado, is providing guidance on how criminal record sealing works under Colorado law and how it may help eligible individuals pursue employment, housing, and professional licensing opportunities.

Attorney JB Katz is sharing this information with residents of Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, and surrounding mountain communities as Colorado continues implementing automatic record sealing under its Clean Slate Act. The guidance explains which records may qualify, how the process works, and the limitations of record sealing.

What Record Sealing Does in Colorado

Record sealing generally restricts public access to eligible criminal records, which may help individuals whose past arrests or convictions have affected employment, housing, or other opportunities.

When a record is sealed, it generally will not appear in standard public background searches. Individuals may also be permitted to answer certain questions about their criminal history as though the sealed case had not occurred, subject to exceptions under Colorado law.

Sealing does not destroy the record. Courts, law enforcement agencies, and certain other authorized parties may retain access, and records may be unsealed under circumstances permitted by law.

Colorado generally uses the term “record sealing” for adult criminal records. Expungement is a separate process that applies primarily to eligible juvenile records and certain other limited circumstances.

Automatic Sealing Under the Clean Slate Act

Colorado’s Clean Slate Act, Senate Bill 22-099, was signed into law in 2022, with automatic sealing provisions taking effect beginning in 2024.

The law established procedures for identifying and sealing certain eligible criminal records without requiring individuals to file traditional court petitions.
Under the automatic conviction-sealing process, eligible records are reviewed through the state court system, with opportunities for prosecutors to raise objections when permitted by law.

Certain arrests that did not result in charges, as well as cases ending in dismissal or acquittal, may also qualify for sealing under separate statutory procedures.

For eligible convictions, automatic sealing generally involves waiting periods based on the offense classification:
• Four years for eligible civil infractions.
• Seven years for eligible petty offenses and misdemeanors.
• Ten years for eligible felonies.

These waiting periods are subject to additional statutory requirements. Not all offenses qualify for automatic sealing, and certain convictions remain ineligible.

Why the Outcome of a Case Matters for Sealing Later

Eligibility for record sealing often depends on how a criminal case was resolved.

Cases ending in dismissal, acquittal, or successful completion of certain diversion programs may be treated differently from cases resulting in convictions. Deferred judgments may also have distinct eligibility requirements depending on the offense and final disposition.

Because these differences can affect future record-sealing opportunities, decisions made while criminal charges are pending may have consequences long after the case closes.

Law Offices of J.B. Katz, P.C. considers these potential long-term consequences when advising clients about criminal charges and also assists eligible individuals seeking to seal older records.

Criminal Defense and Record Sealing in Summit County

Attorney Jeri Beth Katz has practiced criminal defense for more than 20 years. Her practice includes DUI, assault, vehicular homicide, domestic violence, drug offenses, probation violations, juvenile charges, and other criminal matters.

For individuals seeking guidance from a Breckenridge criminal defense attorney, determining whether a prior criminal record qualifies for sealing requires a review of the offense, case disposition, criminal history, and applicable statutory requirements.

Although Colorado’s Clean Slate Act has expanded access to automatic sealing, eligibility remains dependent on the circumstances of each case.

About Law Offices of J.B. Katz, P.C.

Law Offices of J.B. Katz, P.C. is a criminal defense law firm located at 101 N. Main Street, Suite 3, Breckenridge, Colorado. Led by attorney Jeri Beth Katz, who has more than 20 years of criminal defense experience, the firm represents clients facing DUI, assault, domestic violence, drug offenses, probation violations, juvenile matters, and other criminal charges.

The firm also assists with eligible criminal record sealing and expungement matters and serves clients throughout Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, and surrounding Colorado mountain communities.

Jeri Beth Katz
Law Offices of J.B. Katz, P.C.
+1 970-485-2261

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