1.  The entire court file of the underlying criminal case must be procured, along with the court register of action and any minute orders.
        An El Paso County court file can be ordered on-line by counsel or by the prospective client (you).  Attorney would also search the Colorado Courts database.
                If you desire counsel to order the file, deposit requested: $150 - charge card payment required
                    Attorney fee to procure file: $50
                    Colorado Courts database search cost: $20
                    Court file cost: variable, determined by size of court file ($0.75 per page) plus other court fees
                    Unused portion of deposit would be applied to sealing lawsuit fees and costs, or refunded to the charge card
                    Difference in your cost for attorney to procure the court file: $50 attorney fee.  You can save the fee by procuring the court file yourself.
                Documents procured are scanned, converted to .pdf file and emailed to the prospective client with eligibility opinion.
        Outside El Paso County, prospective client is responsible for procuring the court file - attorney will not do so.
                Contact the relevant Clerk of Court.

2.   Counsel must review the court file and litigation history to determine if the case is eligible for sealing.
        If prospective client obtains the court file, it may be faxed to attorney if 35 pages or less.  If larger, please secure attorney's consent before faxing.
        If in attorney's trade area or prospective client is willing to pay travel time, mileage and expenses,
                eligibility assessment is considered part of the first consultation - free.
        If the underlying criminal case is outside attorney's trade area or the prospective client is not willing to pay travel time, mileage and expenses,
                attorney asks that the prospective client contact an attorney in the location of the criminal case.
        Attorney will render a written opinion regarding sealing eligibility.
                If attorney believes the case is not eligible, attorney will clearly state such, decline representation & suggest you obtain another opinion.

3.  If the case is eligible for sealing:
        a.  A retainer agreement would be emailed to the prospective client and can be returned via fax and U.S. Mail.  Prospective client has no obligation to retain.
                    retainer date information sheet
        b.  Deposit is required for anticipated fees and costs.  Attorney accepts major credit cards, but does not take installment payments.
                    1.  Estimates or anticipated costs or just that - non binding.  They should be close as attorney is experienced, but circumstances can vary.
                    2.  Flat attorney's fee estimate: $950 through hearing on the merits.
                    3.  Hourly fees would be offered - client elects between hourly fees or flat fee.  Client election is final.
                    4.  Anticipated costs for e-Service: $497 + $950 attorney flat fee = $1,447 initial trust deposit.
                    5.  Anticipated costs for service of certified final order by U.S. Mail: $798 + $950 attorney flat fee = $1,748 initial trust deposit.
                    6.  Anticipated costs for service of certified final order by personal service: $1,650 + $950 attorney flat fee = $2,600 initial trust deposit.
                    7.  Client elects method of service.
                    8.  Actual costs incurred are billed.  At case conclusion, overpayment would be refunded, or additional amounts may be due.
                    9.  For cases outside El Paso County, refer to travel time, mileage and expense.  One trip for final orders hearing would be anticipated.
                            Travel time and mileage from MapQuest are billed to permit client verification unless a serious traffic jam occurs.
        c.  When executed retainer agreement and deposit for anticipated fees and costs have been received, a lawsuit fact sheet is available on-line for client to provide attorney with relevant information to prepare the sealing lawsuit.  The completed form may be emailed or faxed to attorney.
                    1.  Lawsuits are generally prepared and emailed to client within a week to 10 days.
                    2.  Client original signatures and notarization are required to e-File the lawsuit with the court.  Client may utilize U.S. Mail or FedX if in a hurry.
        d.  e-Filed lawsuits may be accepted the same day or within 3 days.  When accepted, a case number & court division are identified.  Attorney can set final hearing.
        e.  Courts generally set final orders hearing about 30 days out from the setting date.
        f.   If sealing order is granted, the court emails an electronic sealing order to counsel - perhaps same day as hearing; usually within the next 3 days.
        g.  Attorney e-Files a notice & certificate of service with the electronic sealing order attached. 
                    1.  In El Paso County, agencies can be e-Served.  Service is immediate upon e-Filing.  U.S. Mail and process service naturally have lag time.
                    2.  Email address or fax number is required for e-Service.  Agencies outside El Paso County may not be willing to provide.  In such case, regular service would be required, including sealing order certified copies.  Expenses increase significantly.  Counsel would attempt to get agency email addresses or fax numbers for records custodians, but e-Service is new & bureaucrats tend to want to stay with that which is familiar.
                    3.  When the sealing order is served, records are sealed by the agencies - case concluded.  Let's do business.