Deferred Judgment Colorado: A Second Chance to Keep Your Record Clean
Being charged with a crime in Colorado can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re worried about long-term consequences like a criminal record, employment barriers, or housing issues. Fortunately, Colorado law offers a powerful alternative in some cases: a Deferred Judgment and Sentence.
At Pav Law, we regularly help clients pursue deferred judgments as part of strategic plea negotiations. When used correctly, a deferred judgment can mean no conviction, no jail time, and the opportunity to seal your record.
Below, we explain how deferred judgments work in Colorado, who qualifies, and why having an experienced criminal defense attorney makes all the difference.
What Is a Deferred Judgment in Colorado?
A Deferred Judgment and Sentence is a plea agreement authorized under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-1.3-102. In a deferred judgment:
- You plead guilty to a criminal charge
- The court does not enter a conviction
- Sentencing is postponed while you complete specific conditions
- If you successfully comply, the case is dismissed
- You may then be eligible to seal the criminal record
In short, a deferred judgment allows you to resolve a criminal case without ending up with a conviction—as long as you follow the rules.
Who Is Eligible for a Deferred Judgment?
Deferred judgments are not automatic. Eligibility depends on several factors, including:
- The type of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Your prior criminal history
- The facts of the case
- Prosecutorial discretion
- Whether the alleged victim consents (in some cases)
Deferred judgments are commonly available for:
- Drug offenses
- Theft and property crimes
- Certain assault cases
- First-time or low-level felony charges
- Some domestic violence–related cases (with restrictions)
⚠️ Sex offenses and crimes of violence are generally excluded, though limited exceptions exist under Colorado law.
An experienced defense attorney can evaluate whether a deferred judgment is possible—and aggressively negotiate for it when it’s not initially offered.
What Are the Conditions of a Deferred Judgment?
The court will impose conditions similar to probation, which may include:
- No new criminal charges
- Drug or alcohol treatment
- Mental health evaluations
- Community service
- Restitution
- Classes or counseling
- Regular check-ins with probation
Deferred judgment periods typically last one to four years, depending on the charge.
What Happens If You Violate a Deferred Judgment?
Violating the terms of a deferred judgment is serious. If the court finds a violation:
- The deferred judgment can be revoked
- The guilty plea is entered as a conviction
- The judge may impose any sentence allowed by law, including jail or prison
This is why strict compliance—and strong legal guidance throughout the process—is critical.
👉 If you’re facing a probation or deferred judgment violation, Pav Law can help protect your freedom and your future. Call our office today at (719)888-7888 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Can a Deferred Judgment Be Sealed or Expunged?
Yes—this is one of the biggest advantages.
Once a deferred judgment is successfully completed and dismissed, you may be eligible to:
- Seal the criminal record, hiding it from public view
- In some cases, expunge the record entirely (especially for certain drug cases)
Record sealing can significantly improve your ability to:
- Pass background checks
- Obtain professional licenses
- Secure housing and employment
Pav Law routinely assists clients with post-dismissal record sealing, ensuring the second chance actually stays a second chance.
Deferred Judgment vs. Probation: What’s the Difference?
| Deferred Judgment | Probation |
|---|---|
| No conviction if completed | Conviction entered immediately |
| Case dismissed upon success | Conviction remains |
| Eligible for record sealing | Limited sealing options |
| Higher risk if violated | Less severe consequences |
While both involve court supervision, a deferred judgment offers far greater long-term protection when negotiated correctly.
Why You Need a Defense Attorney for a Deferred Judgment
Prosecutors are not required to offer deferred judgments—and they often don’t unless pushed. At Pav Law, we use:
- Aggressive pretrial advocacy
- Strategic plea negotiations
- Detailed mitigation packages
- Trial-readiness leverage
Our goal is always the same: protect your record, your freedom, and your future. Book your free case evaluation today.
Facing Criminal Charges? Talk to Pav Law Today
If you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony in Colorado, you may have more options than you realize. A deferred judgment could allow you to move forward without a conviction—but only if it’s handled correctly from the start.
📞 Contact Pav Law today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn whether a deferred judgment is possible in your case.
⚖️ Protect your rights. Protect your future. Schedule a free case evaluation online.
