Can You Get Your Name Off the Sex Offender Registry in Colorado?

Being on the sex offender registry can be a significant barrier to many of the opportunities we all take for granted in our lives, including where we are allowed to work, live, and socialize. If you live in Colorado and are wondering if you have to stay on this list forever, it’s important to have an attorney analyze your specific circumstances to see whether you can be removed early. If you believe you qualify to be removed from the registry, you should contact an attorney right away.

Who is Required to Register?

If you’ve been convicted of – or convicted of attempting to commit – certain sex-related crimes, you will be required to register on the sex offender registry.

Additionally, if you reside in Colorado but were convicted of a similar crime in a different state, you may need to register as a sex offender in Colorado as well.

Being Removed From The Registry

Certain convictions and classifications carry a requirement of registering as a sex offender for the rest of that person’s natural life. C.R.S. § 16-22-113(3). A person who is classified as a sexually violent predator is not eligible to petition for removal from the sex offender registry in Colorado. The same is true of people with convictions for certain types of felony sexual assault, sexual assault on a child, incest, or aggravated incest. Individuals who have more than one conviction or adjudication for unlawful sexual behavior in Colorado or in another state or states are also ineligible.

If your conviction was for a qualifying class 1, 2, or 3 felony, you will be eligible to petition for removal from the sex offender registry 20 years after the completion of your sentence. If you were convicted of a qualifying class 4, 5, or 6 felony, you will be eligible to petition for removal from the sex offender registry 10 years after the completion of your sentence. If you were convicted of the class 1 misdemeanor of unlawful sexual contact, you will be eligible to petition for removal from the sex offender registry 10 years after the completion of your sentence. For other misdemeanors that require registry, you may be eligible to petition for removal from the sex offender registry 5 years after the completion of your sentence.

If you were required to register due to a deferred judgment or deferred adjudication, you are eligible to petition for removal from the sex offender registry after your case is dismissed.

If you believe you are eligible to be removed from the registry, you should consider contacting a lawyer and having them represent you by completing various steps necessary to petition for removal from the sex offender registry. This process may include a hearing before a judge.

Being on the sex offender registry can have a significant impact on people’s lives, so if you are no longer required to register, it’s important to petition the court to be removed as soon as possible. If you have any questions or need help with any of these steps, contact us today for help.