Colorado Judicial Branch
Post-Conviction Relief
Post-Conviction Relief Forms
Colorado Judicial Branch has compiled all forms required for Post-Conviction Relief.
About Post-Conviction Relief
Post-conviction relief allows you to ask the court to determine that your criminal conviction was invalid.
Criteria for Post-Conviction Relief
Review paragraph #8 of Form 4 Petition for Postconviction Relief Pursuant to Criminal Procedure 35(c) for a list of reasons why your conviction could be found to be invalid.
Unless you meet one of the exceptions in §16-5-402 (2), you must file your paperwork within the applicable time periods listed below. These time periods start as of the date of conviction or, for a juvenile case, as of the juvenile's 18th birthday:
- All class 1 felonies: No limit
- All other felonies: 3 years
- Misdemeanors: 18 months
- Petty offenses: 6 months
How to File for Post-Conviction Relief
You should file your paperwork in the same court where you were originally sentenced.
Forms and Paperwork Required
Fill out Form 4 Petition for Postconviction Relief Pursuant to Crim. P. 35(c).
Take your completed form to the court and give it to the clerk to file your case. There is no filing fee.
What Happens Next?
If the court does not deny your request right away, the court will send a copy of your Petition to the prosecuting attorney, and they will have an opportunity to respond.