The bill creates a process for persons to seek relief from the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction. The state public defender shall identify and publish a collection of the collateral consequences that are possible in Colorado based on state and federal laws and regulations. The judicial department shall publish the collection on its web site. The court, at a defendant's first appearance and at sentencing, shall inform the defendant about the possible collateral consequences of a conviction. An individual may petition the court, with notice to the district attorney, for limited relief from a collateral consequence of a conviction or for restoration of rights. The court may grant the relief if the relief will help the individual obtain employment, housing, public benefits, or occupational licensing, the individual has substantial need for the relief, and granting the petition would not pose a public safety risk. If the court grants the limited relief, the court must specify the relief and any restrictions.
Year
2011
Current status
- 1/19/2011 - Introduced in Senate: Assigned to Judiciary