misdemeanor · 3 years to file · Rules v2026.2, current through July 1, 2026

Sealing class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado

Colorado treats class 1 misdemeanor as a misdemeanor for sealing purposes. That sets your waiting period, and it is shorter than most people assume.

Two clocks run on your case, and they are years apart. The one you control is the shorter one.

The two dates that matter

You can file by motion after: 3 years, under C.R.S. § 24-72-706
The state reaches it after: 7 years, under C.R.S. § 13-3-117
The Gap: 4 years you do not have to wait
The clock starts at: the later of your final disposition or your release from probation, parole or jail

Those are the misdemeanor periods. If you are past the first date, you can file now, and waiting for the second one buys you nothing.

What this covers

third degree assault
theft of $300 to $1,000
violation of a protection order
harassment

This is the most common conviction we see, and most class 1 misdemeanors are sealable once the waiting period has run. Some are not: a domestic violence designation or a sex offense excludes the case whatever its class.

What can still stop it

A conviction after this case.
A criminal case open right now.
Restitution, fines or court costs still owed. Pay them first; $224 of filing fee is wasted otherwise.
A plea agreement in which you gave up the right to seal.

The Check below applies these rules to your own dates and gives you the two dates for your case, free, without asking who you are.

Common questions

How long after class 1 misdemeanor can I seal it in Colorado?

3 years from the later of your final disposition or your release from supervision, under C.R.S. § 24-72-706. The state's own automatic route takes 7 years.

What if I am not sure of the class?

Order your criminal history from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation; the class is printed on it. The Check also accepts "I am not sure" and widens the answer instead of refusing it.

Unburdened is not a law firm. This is legal information, not legal advice.