Have you already completed a sentence but your criminal record still appears?
In Colombia, you can request the expungement of your criminal record and start over—provided you meet certain legal requirements.
What is criminal record expungement?
Criminal record expungement is your right to request that your judicial record no longer appears in public background checks once you have completed your sentence.
It is not about “erasing the past,” but rather about:
Updating your legal information
Protecting your right to a good name
Preventing past mistakes from continuing to affect your present
This right is supported by regulations such as:
Political Constitution (Art. 15 – habeas data)
Law 1581 of 2012 (data protection)
Decree Law 019 of 2012
👉 In practice, when the process is done correctly, your certificate may show:
“No pending matters with judicial authorities”
When can you request the cancellation of criminal records?
This is where many people get confused.
In Colombia, criminal records are not automatically deleted. You must meet clear conditions:
Main requirements:
Have fully completed your sentence
Not have reoffended
Wait the corresponding legal period
👉 Most common general rule:
5 years after completing your sentence, you can request expungement if the record still appears
Depending on the type of offense (approximate):
6 months: minor offenses
2–5 years: medium offenses
Up to 10 years: serious crimes
👉 Additionally, if the record still appears after that time, you have the right to demand its update or removal.
What is the process like in Colombia?
The process is simpler than it seems… but it has key details.
Step by step:
Verify that you meet the legal requirements
Gather documents (sentence, clearance certificate, ID)
Submit the request to:
National Police
Attorney General’s Office (Procuraduría)
Execution of Sentences Court
Wait for a response (minimum 15 business days)
Record update if applicable
👉 Important: if you do it incorrectly, your request may be rejected.
What happens if you don’t complete this process?
Many people believe that “with time it disappears”… but that’s not the case.
This can bring real consequences:
❌ Job rejections
❌ Migration or visa issues
❌ Difficulties opening accounts or signing contracts
❌ Impact on your reputation
Even after serving your sentence, the record can continue affecting you for years if you don’t take action.
Common mistakes you should avoid
This is where most people fail:
Submitting incomplete documents
Not complying with legal timelines
Applying to the wrong authority
Confusing criminal, disciplinary, or fiscal records
👉 Result: rejected processes or unnecessary delays.
Why do you need legal assistance?
Although the law allows you to complete the process without a lawyer, in practice:
👉 Every case is different
👉 Not all records can be removed
👉 A mistake can cost you time (or years)
A lawyer can:
Evaluate whether your case is viable
Define the correct strategy
Submit the request without errors
Defend your right to a good name
Criminal Record Expungement with Nexo Legal
At Nexo Legal, we understand something key:
👉 This is not just a procedure… it’s your second chance.
We help you:
✔️ Evaluate whether you can cancel your records
✔️ Prepare all documentation correctly
✔️ Submit the request to the appropriate authority
✔️ Follow up until a response is obtained
✔️ Defend your case if it is denied
Our focus is clear:
to help you recover your opportunities as quickly as possible.
How long does the process take?
Initial response: minimum 15 business days
Total time: depends on the case and the authority
👉 With legal assistance, the process is usually faster and safer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are criminal records deleted automatically?
No. You must formally request expungement.
Can I do this if I am a foreigner?
Yes, but it is even more important to do it correctly, especially for migration purposes.
Are records completely erased?
It depends on the case. In many cases, they are updated so they no longer appear in public checks.
What happens if my request is denied?
You can file appeals or even a constitutional action (tutela).
Conclusion: you can start over
Having made a mistake in the past should not define your future.
Colombian law gives you a clear tool:
👉 the possibility to clean your record and recover your professional and personal life.
But doing it correctly makes all the difference.
Do you want to know if you can remove your criminal record?
If you have already completed your sentence and your record still appears, you can request its expungement (even after 5 years).
👉 But doing it wrong can delay you for months or make you lose the process.
At Nexo Legal, we do it for you:
We evaluate whether your case applies
We prepare everything correctly
We submit the request without errors
We follow up until a response is obtained
Book your evaluation now
We’ll tell you in minutes whether you can remove your record and how to do it.
Write to us today and start closing that chapter.
Get started with a free case assessment
What will happen after you fill out this form?
After submitting the form, your case undergoes a comprehensive review by our team of specialist to assess its viability. Providing clear and concise information about your objectives accelerates this process.
Subsequently, a specialist will be assigned to your case, reaching out to you within a day to clear up details about your case and outline the next steps to help you achieve your goals.
Get started with a free case assessment
What will happen after you fill out this form?
After submitting the form, your case undergoes a comprehensive review by our team of specialist to assess its viability. Providing clear and concise information about your objectives accelerates this process.
Subsequently, a specialist will be assigned to your case, reaching out to you within a day to clear up details about your case and outline the next steps to help you achieve your goals.