Thousands Of Marijuana Convictions To Be Dismissed By Boulder DA

BOULDER, CO -- Marijuana has assimilated so readily into Colorado's tourism, economy, and reputation that young users might not remember: Smokin' pot used to earn criminal convictions. The Boulder County District Attorney's office now plans to help the Colorado legal system do just that sort of forgetting with its new "Moving on from Marijuana" initiative. The program aims to help affected Coloradans move on from the stigma and lifestyle ramifications of their previous pot convictions.

Prior to 2012 and the passage of Colorado's Amendment 64, it was illegal to use or possess even small amounts of cannabis products. According to his office, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty now aims to vacate old marijuana convictions which would no longer qualify as crimes under current statutes.

Under the new initiative, the District Attorney’s Office will file motions to vacate and seal old marijuana convictions on behalf of qualifying defendants, and promises to make every effort to identify all agencies in possession of records pertaining to the offense. Once an agency receives notice that the court has agreed to the motions, they will be required to respond to inquiries regarding the former convictions by stating that "no such records exist."

Due to the high volume of claims that must be processed, the District Attorney's office is inviting those who might want to jump the line to erase their past convictions to attend one of two open houses at the Boulder County Justice Center in January to speak with a representative about their case. The open houses will be held in the 2nd floor training room on Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Jan. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For those unable to make either open house, there will be an electronic form available for submission on the District Attorney's website after the Jan. 10 kick-off.

The program only applies to convictions that would no longer be illegal under current law.

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