The Consequences of Conviction Sanctions Beyond the Sentence Under Colorado Law 2019 Edition Mark David Evans Lead Deputy State Public Defender Disclaimer This publication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. An error or omission in this publication does not give rise to a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, or to a claim for a disciplinary proceeding against either the Colorado State Public Defender or any employee of the Colorado State Public Defender. The laws of the federal government, other jurisdictions, and other political subdivisions of this state may impose additional sanctions and disqualifications that are not listed in this publication. This publication was finalized in November 2019. Subsequent changes to the law are not included. Acknowledgements Many thanks to Laurie Rose Kepros, Marnie Adams, Dayna Vise, Kimberly Dickey, and Stephanie Robertson for their input and insight on previous editions, and to Leslie Pesch, Alicia Thomas, Dana Lindenberg, Heidi Milliken, Kat Pritchard, and Rebecca Zaltman for their editorial support of this update. The Consequences of Conviction Sanctions Beyond the Sentence Under Colorado Law 1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 1 The True Consequences of a Criminal Conviction ..................................................................................... 1 Five Critical Questions for Assessing Consequences ................................................................................. 1 1. How are you employed? ............................................................................................................. 2 2. Do you receive any public benefits? .......................................................................................... 2 3. What is your family situation? ................................................................................................... 2 4. Do you own, or will you want to own, any firearms? ............................................................... 2 5. Are you a United States citizen? ................................................................................................ 2 Collateral Consequences Defined Under State Law ................................................................................... 2 The Impact of Federal Law ........................................................................................................................ 3 Limitations of this Publication ................................................................................................................... 3 2. Why Criminal Records Matter ............................................................................................................... 5 Widespread Availability of Criminal History ............................................................................................. 5 Limited Sealing of Criminal Records ......................................................................................................... 5 Limited Expunging Opportunities .............................................................................................................. 8 Relief from Collateral Consequences ......................................................................................................... 9 3. Employment .............................................................................................................................................11 Critical Employment Areas .......................................................................................................................11 1. Government Licenses, Certificates, Registrations, and Contracts ...............................................11 2. Vulnerable People and Positions of Trust ....................................................................................11 Guilty Pleas, Nolo Contendere, Deferred Judgment, and Diversion .........................................................11 Defining Crimes of Moral Turpitude .........................................................................................................11 The Effect of Out-of-State and Federal Convictions .................................................................................12 The Effect of Internal Regulations and Policies ........................................................................................12 The Effect of Federal Law .........................................................................................................................12 Governmental Restrictions Based on Criminal Record .............................................................................13 Private Restrictions Based on Criminal Record ........................................................................................14 4. Public Benefits Programs ........................................................................................................................16 Public Housing ..........................................................................................................................................16 Food Stamps ..............................................................................................................................................17 Federal Student Loan Eligibility ................................................................................................................18 Worker’s Compensation Benefits ..............................................................................................................18 Unemployment Benefits ............................................................................................................................19 Colorado Works Program / TANF ............................................................................................................19 Veterans Benefits.......................................................................................................................................19 Medical Assistance ....................................................................................................................................20 Social Security ...........................................................................................................................................20 5. Family Concerns ......................................................................................................................................21 Parenting Time and Decision Making Following Divorce or Separation ..................................................21 Custody of Children and the Parent-Child Relationship............................................................................22 Emergency and Kinship Placement of Children ........................................................................................23 Name Changes ...........................................................................................................................................23 Adoption and Foster Care ..........................................................................................................................24 Guardian or Conservator Appointment .....................................................................................................24 Inheritance .................................................................................................................................................24 6. Firearms ...................................................................................................................................................25 Restrictions Under Colorado Law .............................................................................................................25 Restrictions Under Federal Law ................................................................................................................26 7. Citizenship and Immigration ..................................................................................................................27 Consequences of Conviction for Non-Citizens .........................................................................................27 Inadmissibility ...........................................................................................................................................27 i Deportability ..............................................................................................................................................28 Inability to Obtain Citizenship ..................................................................................................................29 Mandatory Detention .................................................................................................................................29 8. Other Civil Rights and Privileges ...........................................................................................................30 Driving.......................................................................................................................................................30 Elementary and Secondary School Attendance .........................................................................................31 University or College Attendance .............................................................................................................32 Voting ........................................................................................................................................................32