Since 2018, Expunge Colorado has provided an annual record sealing clinic free to the community in the Denver metro area. Our work removes barriers to obtaining jobs, housing, financial aid and more!
Expunge Colorado has served over 700 people and has successfully sealed over 275+ records. We are the only nonprofit in Colorado dedicated to providing pro bono record sealing legal services, public educational resources and advocacy at the state level. Our work has advocated for Colorado's Clean Slate Law (implemented in 2024) and we are on the steering committee to ensure its smooth implementation.
A sealed record provides a chance to move forward with dignity not only impacting an individual but also a person's family, children and generations to come. Record sealing can break cycles of poverty by providing new opportunities for jobs, housing and financial aid-- the keys to living a healthy life.
A Story of Impact: How Your Support Changes Lives
When JS had their criminal record sealed by Expunge Colorado, they expected new opportunities in employment and housing. What they didn’t expect was the profound physical and emotional transformation that followed.
“It felt as if a physical weight had been lifted from my entire being. The discouragement and shame I carried for years dissolved, replaced by an exhilarating sense of possibility. For the first time in a long time, I felt optimism.”
Before their record was sealed, they described their life as living under “low glass ceilings” — believing they deserved to be limited, fueling depression and anxiety. Sealing their record allowed them to extend forgiveness and compassion to themselves. A quiet confidence began to grow, sparking a renewed sense of purpose.
“I wanted to give back — to help others seeking their own second chance. My journey became my motivation.”
The shift wasn’t just internal. They secured stable housing, finally becoming an official resident with their name on a lease — a milestone that brought safety, independence, and the ability to envision a future with family, stability, and long-term goals.
Their family also felt the impact — expressing pride, relief, and hope as they watched new doors open.
“Sealing my record wasn’t just a legal act; it was a turning point. A catalyst. A chance to truly thrive. It still brings tears to my eyes — the deepest gratitude I’ve ever known.”
Your support makes life-changing transformations like this possible for individuals and families across Colorado.
A message from Expunge Colorado's Executive Director:
A video testimonial from Michelle, a participant at our 2024 Record Sealing Clinic:
Expunge Colorado exists to enable people to move forward from their criminal records. We fulfill our mission through our three pillars of service: education, advocacy and by providing pro bono record sealing legal services.
Since 2018, we have served over 700 people and have successfully sealed over 275 criminal records free from public view removing barriers to obtaining housing, employment, financial aid and more!
Record sealing eligible criminal records removes barriers to securing housing, gainful employment, jobs, financial aid, volunteer opportunities and more! In Colorado, there are over 1.3 million Coloradans (3 out of 10) with a criminal record and in USA, there are 1 out of 3 people that have a criminal record. Record sealing provides criminal justice reform and reparative justice to those who are impacted by over prosecution with the criminal legal system. We serve a majority of People of Color/ BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) in Colorado which make a majority of the population arrested and have a criminal case through the interaction by law enforcement.
To paint the picture of the demand in need of our pro bono services, we have over 300 people (and counting) on a waiting list requesting to be notified for our next record sealing event/clinic/program. Your donations will help us scale our programs to serve more people in need through community-assisted programs and by developing record sealing tech tools and resources.
Organization name
Expunge Colorado
2021
Tax id (EIN)
85-2750585
Category
Crime & Legal-Related, Employment, Public & Societal Benefit, Housing & Shelter, Education
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
303 E 17th Ave. Suite 405CO, US
Denver, CO, US
Colorado Springs, CO, US
Arapahoe County, CO, US
Boulder, CO, US