Northglenn Removal from Sex Registry Attorney

Sex offender registration can be one of many penalties imposed after a misdemeanor or felony sex crime conviction in Colorado, and it carries long-lasting consequences. For those who are ordered by the court to register as sex offenders, the requirement can last for years or even a lifetime, depending on the severity of the offense. Individuals convicted of statutory rape often find themselves on the sex offender registry, even in cases where they may have believed the relationship was consensual, which can be devastating and result in significant challenges when trying to move forward with their lives.

As tedious and punishing as the registration requirement can be, it can also be incredibly damaging when it comes to an individual’s future opportunities, reputation, and ability to start over. Being charged with sexual assault, for example, can lead to mandatory registration as a sex offender, making it critical to seek legal assistance in such cases to avoid or minimize the harshest penalties. An experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of such charges and fight to protect your rights and future.

Many individuals seeking removal from the sex offender list have been previously convicted of various sex crimes which can have a lifelong impact on their reputation, employment opportunities, and personal relationships. The process of seeking removal is often complicated and requires legal expertise to increase the chances of success. Understanding the full scope of these consequences emphasizes the importance of having a skilled defense attorney who can advocate on your behalf and help you regain control of your life.

The good news is that Colorado law recognizes individuals’ ability to reform, and it has set forth specific eligibility requirements, along with a process, for seeking removal from the Colorado Sex Offender Registry.

Colorado Sex Offender Registry Removal Attorney

Denver Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer James Colgan has vast experience helping clients with removal from the Colorado sex offender registry. Whether you need to know if you qualify for removal or it’s time for experienced representation to start the process, you can turn to Attorney James Colgan for help.

Call 720-909-6425 or email our firm for a free, confidential consultation 24/7.

We are ready to put our 25 years of criminal law experience to work advocating your rights and help you achieve your objectives.

Am I Eligible for Removal from the Colorado Sex Offender Registry?

Eligibility for removal will depend on several factors, including:

The conviction: A felony conviction is not a bar to removal from the Colorado sex offender registry, unless the individual has been designated as a sexually violent predator (SVP). Others who are barred from removal can include those convicted of incest, felony sexual assault, or unlawful sexual behavior when they have two or more prior convictions.
The length of time since the conviction: Those convicted of more serious sex offenses typically have to wait longer periods of time before they are eligible for removal from the sex offender list in Colorado. The longest waiting time set by Colorado law is 20 years, and that applies to certain Class 1 to 3 felony convictions.
Whether the individual has been a law-abiding citizen: Any new sex crimes convictions (or certain other convictions) can be a bar to eligibility for removal.

The table below shows how long an offender has to wait to petition for removal, based on the offense for which (s)he was convicted (and assuming no SVP status and no new convictions that would be a bar to removal).

Circumstances or Offense

Deferred Sentence or Adjudication

Juvenile Conviction

Dismissal of the Charges

Misdemeanor Sex Crime
(not including 3rd-degree sexual assault or unlawful sexual contact)

Class 4 to 6 Felony
Class 1 Misdemeanor of Unlawful Sexual Contact
3rd Degree Sexual Assault

Class 1 to 3 Felony

Waiting Period

Eligible upon completion of the terms or conditions set by the court

Eligible upon successful completion of the penalties or release from a juvenile detention facility

Eligible upon dismissal

5 Years

10 Years

20 Years

You Will Not Be Eligible for Removal If…

In addition to sexually violent predators, others who are not eligible for removal from the sex offender list in Colorado include those who convicted of the following (as an adult):

Aggravated incest or incest
Sexual assault, including 1^st and 2^nd-degree sexual assault
Sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist
Sexual assault on a child, including sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust
Unlawful sexual behavior in Colorado or any other state for a third or subsequent time

How to Seek Removal from the Colorado Sex Offender Registry

To request removal from the sex offender list in Colorado, here are the steps that must be followed:

Verify eligibility for removal: An offender must satisfy all eligibility requirements in order to qualify.
Notify the proper parties of the intention to seek removal: This includes the law enforcement agency with which an individual has been registering as an offender, as well as the prosecutor in that same jurisdiction and the prosecutor who originally convicted the individual.
Complete and submit the proper form: While Coloradans will not have to pay filing fees for this form, there are filing fees for out-of-staters. Additional fees may apply for obtaining records needed to support the request.
Attend the hearing: At this court proceeding, the petitioner will have an opportunity to present his or her case for removal. If the judge grants the request, an Order to Discontinue Sex Offender Registration will be granted.

Choose a Denver Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer Who You Can Count on at Every Step: Contact the Law Office of James Colgan, LLC

If you or a loved one wants to seek removal from the Colorado sex offender registry, it’s time to contact Denver Sex Crimes Defense Attorney James Colgan. With more than 25 years’ experience in the justice system, he has deep knowledge of the law and a long history of:

Aggressively advocating his clients’ rights
Presenting strong, persuasive cases in court
Working relentlessly to help his clients successfully navigate the criminal justice system

As a “pit bull in the courtroom,” Attorney James Colgan is the skilled, trusted ally you can rely on when everything’s on the line and you want the best chances of obtaining favorable outcomes.

Call 720-909-6425 or email our firm for a free, confidential consultation 24/7.

Recognized for his record of success, Denver Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer James Colgan is ready to explain whether you qualify for removal from the Colorado Sex Offender Registry—and, if so, what the next steps are and how he can help you at every point moving forward. You may only have one chance to clear your name and put your criminal past behind you. Make it count by partnering with Attorney James Colgan today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for removal from the Colorado sex offender registry?

The process for removal from the Colorado Sex Offender Registry involves several steps, as detailed on James Colgan's website. Eligibility depends on factors such as the nature of the conviction and the time elapsed since the conviction. You need to notify the necessary parties, fill out and submit the appropriate forms, and attend a hearing. If successful, a court order will end the registration requirements. This process requires careful legal navigation, often necessitating the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney. A lawyer can assist in ensuring all steps are correctly followed to increase the chances of successful removal.

How can a lawyer assist with removal from the sex offender registry in Colorado?

A lawyer can greatly assist with the removal from the sex offender registry in Colorado by evaluating eligibility based on legal criteria, preparing necessary documents, and representing the individual during the court proceedings. We provide expert advice on navigating the complex legal system and can argue effectively on behalf of their client to challenge registration requirements. Our role is crucial in ensuring all procedural steps are correctly followed for a successful petition. Our firm in Northglenn, Colorado, specializes in helping clients navigate this complex procedure.

What are the benefits of being removed from the sex offender registry?

Being removed from the sex offender registry can offer several significant benefits, including increased privacy, reduced stigma, and better opportunities for employment and housing. It also allows individuals to avoid the ongoing requirements and restrictions imposed by the registry, such as regular reporting to law enforcement and community notification. This removal can lead to a significant improvement in quality of life and help in reintegrating into society.

Can removal from the sex offender registry also expunge or seal the underlying conviction?

In Colorado, removal (or “discontinuation”) from the sex offender registry does not automatically expunge or seal the conviction that led to registration. The registry removal process only ends the legal requirement to register and removes associated public listing obligations. To clear or limit public visibility of the conviction itself, one would need to pursue separate relief (such as expungement, sealing, or setting aside of the conviction) under other statutory provisions. Whether expungement or sealing is possible depends on factors like the type of offense, sentencing court, whether the person completed all penalties and waiting periods, and whether there are statutory bars. Even after removal, the conviction may appear on background checks or remain in court records unless expunction or sealing is granted. An experienced attorney can help you determine whether you are eligible for those additional legal remedies and help coordinate both processes.

If someone was convicted in another state, can they seek removal from Colorado’s sex offender registry?

Yes, individuals with out-of-state convictions may under some circumstances petition for removal from Colorado’s registry, but certain conditions must be satisfied. One key factor is whether Colorado law requires registration for their specific conviction and whether that conviction corresponds to one of Colorado’s qualifying offenses. The individual must also meet the waiting periods, and must not have any subsequent convictions, especially for unlawful sexual behavior. They also must follow the petition procedures, which include filing in the court of judgment (or equivalent) and giving notice to prosecutors and law enforcement. Colorado statutes (see CRS § 16-22-113) provide a pathway for persons “required to register pursuant to section 16-22-103 or whose information is required to be posted … for convictions in any state” to file petitions to discontinue registration. However, eligibility can be more limited or complicated when dealing with out-of-state or foreign convictions, so legal advice is critical.

What happens if someone fails to stay compliant with registration requirements while waiting to petition for removal?

Failing to comply with registration requirements (for example, missing required check-ins or failing to update address) can jeopardize one’s eligibility for removal from the registry. Colorado law specifies that a person must not have “subsequently been convicted of unlawful sexual behavior or of any other offense, the underlying factual basis of which involved unlawful sexual behavior.” While technical noncompliance (without a new conviction) may not always be fatal, serious or repeated violations may be viewed by the court as evidence the individual has not been “law-abiding” since the conviction. Noncompliance could also lead to revocation of eligibility or denial of the petition. Courts will scrutinize the petitioner’s behavior during the waiting period to ensure they have discharged all registration duties properly. An attorney can help document compliance and argue mitigating circumstances if there were lapses, potentially preserving eligibility.

Why should I hire a Colorado attorney for sex offender registry removal?

Hiring a Colorado attorney for sex offender registry removal is crucial due to their familiarity with state-specific laws and procedures. An experienced attorney can accurately assess your eligibility, manage complex legal paperwork, and represent you effectively in court. Our expertise ensures that all aspects of your case are handled properly, maximizing your chances for a successful outcome. Our experienced lawyers in Northglenn can help you effectively navigate the legal system and maximize your chances of a successful outcome. For assistance, reach out to us.

Additional Information in Northglenn, Colorado

Colorado Bureau of Investigation - Sex Offender Registration Unit: Oversees the Sex Offender Registration Unit, which manages the state's Sex Offender Registry. This unit is responsible for maintaining up-to-date information on registered sex offenders for both law enforcement and the public, facilitating communication across state lines via national databases. For individuals seeking removal from the registry, the CBI processes court orders that discontinue a person's registration requirements. This unit is vital in ensuring that such legal changes are correctly and efficiently updated in both state and national systems.

Colorado Division of Criminal Justice - The Sex Offender Management Board: Establishes standards and guidelines for the treatment of sex offenders. SOMB is involved in approving providers who work with sex offenders, which can be a crucial aspect for individuals looking to demonstrate rehabilitation or compliance with mandated treatment as part of a petition for deregistration. The board also educates and trains professionals handling sex offense cases, thereby impacting the overall management and understanding of sex offender cases in the state.

Colorado Judicial Branch - Forms: Comprehensive repository of forms used in various legal procedures, which are essential for individuals managing their legal affairs without an attorney. The site includes forms related to family law, civil cases, name changes, and more. In cases involving the removal from the sex offender registry, individuals can access specific forms and guidance for submitting the necessary legal documents to petition the court. This resource simplifies the process of preparing and submitting the appropriate paperwork to seek deregistration or appeal a registration decision.

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