Is Colorado a felon-friendly state?

Asked by: Eriberto Goyette  |  Last update: June 15, 2026
Score: 5/5 (21 votes)

Yes, Colorado is generally considered felon-friendly due to strong public policies encouraging rehabilitation and reducing employment discrimination, with laws like the Clean Slate Act automatically sealing many records, making it easier for ex-felons to gain employment, though federal firearm restrictions always apply. State laws prevent automatic disqualification from public jobs, and a growing number of employers and job boards list opportunities for those with criminal records, emphasizing second chances in housing, licensing, and jobs.

What can felons not do in Colorado?

In Colorado, certain professional licenses may be denied or revoked if an individual has a felony conviction. This is particularly prevalent in professions that require a high level of trust and integrity, such as in law, healthcare, and education.

What is the new background check law in Colorado?

As of 2025 in Colorado, third-party background checks go back only seven years (with some exceptions). Also, Colorado's ban-the-box law prohibits employers from asking about criminal history on the initial job application.

What states don't care about felonies?

Ten of these states have mandated the removal of conviction history questions from job applications for private employers:

  • California.
  • Connecticut.
  • Hawaii.
  • Illinois.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Minnesota.
  • New Jersey.
  • Oregon.

Can you work for the state of Colorado with a felony?

Colorado law states that a felony offense cannot, in and of itself, act as an automatic bar to being employed in the public sector or obtaining certain occupational licenses.

Can felons own guns? New Justice Department plan could restore rights | Morning in America

24 related questions found

Do felonies go away after 10 years in Colorado?

In most situations, a felony conviction stays on your record permanently unless it is sealed or expunged. Colorado does not have automatic record removal after a set number of years. A background check can show your conviction indefinitely, even decades after the case closes.

What jobs hire felons in Colorado?

Felony friendly jobs in Colorado

  • Construction Laborer. Easily apply. ...
  • Night Shift Construction Cleaning Crew. Easily apply. ...
  • Warehouse Order Selector. Safeway. ...
  • Material Handler - Denver. Easily apply. ...
  • STARLINK installer (truck,van, or suv required) ...
  • Bookseller. ...
  • Production Associate - Cannabis Division. ...
  • Sanitor - Seasonal.

What state helps felons the most?

These Are the States Most Likely to Hire Former Felons

  • California.
  • Colorado.
  • Kansas.
  • Maryland.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Montana.
  • Nevada.
  • New Hampshire.

What jobs do not accept felons?

Felons face significant restrictions in jobs requiring licenses (law, medicine, teaching, finance, real estate, security) or involving public trust/vulnerable populations (childcare, elder care, law enforcement, healthcare), as well as roles handling valuables or operating heavy machinery, with specific bans depending on state law and the nature of the crime (e.g., theft, fraud, violent offenses). Industries like finance, education, transportation, and healthcare often have statutory bars or strict licensing requirements that exclude individuals with felony records, though some exceptions and review processes exist.
 

Is Colorado a ban the box state?

Ban the Box Is Good for Children and Families

Colorado is one of the most recent states with laws requiring employers to ban the box with its Colorado Chance to Compete Act (CCCA).

What is the 3 day law in Colorado?

Bill Summary: The act establishes a waiting period before a firearms seller may deliver a firearm to a purchaser. The waiting period is the later in time of 3 days after the initiation of a required background check of the purchaser or when the purchase is approved following any background check.

How far back do criminal background checks go in Colorado?

Colorado Clean Slate Act

Other criminal records that must also be automatically sealed include the following: Civil infractions following four years since disposition. Petty offenses and misdemeanor convictions seven years following final disposition.

What jobs don't do background checks in Colorado?

no background check jobs in colorado

  • Electro-Mechanical Assembler- 1st Shift. Eaton Aerospace —Broomfield, CO3.7. ...
  • Semi Driver. Sunstate Equipment Co., LLC —Englewood, CO3.1. ...
  • Rollback Driver/CDL-A. ...
  • Sales Representative. ...
  • House Cleaner. ...
  • Assistant Program Director. ...
  • Outside Sales. ...
  • Branch Manager.

Can a felon buy a house in Colorado?

The answer is a resounding yes. Thankfully, federal and state governments don't have laws restricting homeownership for the formerly incarcerated — even if you have a felony conviction.

What is the no hands law in Colorado?

The Colorado Hands-Free Law went into effect on January 1, 2025. This law prohibits anyone from using a mobile electronic device while driving unless they use a hands-free accessory, like Bluetooth or a mount. Penalties for violating the law start with a $75 fine and two license suspension points for the first offense.

Can a felon get a passport in Colorado?

In the U.S., most felons can get a passport, but convictions for drug trafficking across borders, treason, or outstanding federal warrants can disqualify you. Also, court orders preventing travel, parole restrictions, or unpaid child support over $2,500 can block passport issuance. Each case is reviewed individually.

What is the hardest background check to pass?

The hardest background checks are typically for high-security government roles (like Top Secret clearance), involving deep dives into finances, criminal history, personal references, and lifestyle, often requiring interviews with associates; these are far more stringent than standard employment checks and focus on trustworthiness for sensitive information access, extending to personal habits, foreign contacts, and potential vulnerabilities.
 

What jobs are felons most likely to get?

12 highest-paying jobs for people with criminal records

  • Digital marketer. ...
  • Freelance designer. ...
  • Painter. ...
  • Maintenance worker. ...
  • Entrepreneur. ...
  • Web developer. ...
  • Truck driver. ...
  • Barber.

Does Dollar Tree hire felons?

Will dollar tree hire me if I'm a felon? You should be fine. You may run into problems if you apply for any management positions. Yes, Dollar Tree now does a background check so if you have any convictions, you will not pass the background check.

Is Amazon felon friendly?

Does Amazon hire rehabilitated felons? Yes, Amazon can and does hire felons. Federal law and guidance say criminal records should not be an automatic barrier to employment. Amazon and its screening partners assess each applicant individually.

Can felons rent in Colorado?

Criminal history: Colorado landlords can ask about an applicant's criminal history, but only after making a conditional lease offer. They may only consider convictions from the past five years unless the offenses involve meth manufacturing, homicide, stalking, or sex-offender registration.

Is $20 an hour good in Colorado?

$20 an hour ($41,600 annually) is above Colorado's minimum wage but often tight for comfortable living, especially in cities like Denver, where a higher living wage ($25.47/hr for one adult) is needed, though it's manageable for young individuals, those with roommates, or lower expenses, depending heavily on location and lifestyle. It's good for entry-level roles but might not cover high housing costs without roommates or other income. 

What skills are in demand in Colorado?

15 in-demand jobs in Colorado in 2023

  • Multi-tasking.
  • Patience.
  • Physical dexterity.
  • Direct assistants.
  • Critical thinking.