Denver Low-Level Pot Convictions: Here's How To Wipe Them Clean

DENVER, CO – For the thousands of people convicted of low-level marijuana crimes that occurred before the passage of recreational-use laws, the City of Denver is offering a new program to expunge and vacate those offenses.

The city’s new "Turn Over a New Leaf" program offers a simple process to file motions to take part in the city's expungement process. The expungement of records covers convictions between 2001 -2012.

“For more than five years, Denver has led the way in regulating legalized marijuana,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said in a statement. “This is about equity for our communities of color and individuals who were disproportionately impacted by low-level marijuana convictions that are no longer crimes in Colorado. Overturning these convictions is part of Denver’s multi-pronged approach to correct the social injustices caused by the war on drugs."

“Given the fact that possession of a small amount of marijuana is now legal in Denver, I have decided, in the interest of justice and fairness, that my office will assist individuals convicted of a marijuana offense which would now be legal in getting their convictions dismissed and expunged,” said Denver District Attorney Beth McCann in a press release. “In addition to having an online, self-service option, we will hold clinics to make this process easier for these individuals. Members of my office and the City Attorney’s office will meet with people who attend to get the process underway.”

The new program is now live online at www.Denvergov.org/ANewLeaf.The website guides you through the steps needed to request expungement.

The City and County of Denver and the DA's office will also host several clinics to help people take advantage of the process:

Saturday, Feb. 9
9:00 am-1:00 pm
Denver Conflict Center
4140 Tejon St.
Denver, CO 80211
Sunday, Feb. 24
1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Denver Park Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church
3385 Albion St.
Denver, CO 80207
Wednesday, Mar. 6
5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Servicios de La Raza
3131 W 14th Ave
Denver, CO 80204
Thursday, Mar. 21
9:00 am-1:00 pm
Cultivated Synergy
2901 Walnut St.
Denver, CO 80205

To participate in a clinic, bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a drivers’ license. A representative from the Denver District Attorney’s or Denver City Attorney’s office who will review your case. If the case is eligible for expungement, the city representative will then draft documents and you will receive information about what to expect next.

How it works: Ultimately, for both the online and in-person process, a state judge will rule — without a hearing — on the requests to vacate convictions and seal the records of all eligible participants.

Image via Shutterstock

Stay up-to-date on Denver news with Patch! There are many ways for you to connect and stay in touch: Free newsletters and Email Alerts|Facebook