File Retention Policy

Protection and Storage of Your Information

Your case file contains sensitive personal information, and protecting it is part of an ethical commitment to you. During representation — and after your case is closed — your file is stored securely in a dedicated case‑management system.

This costs money and uses encryption, multi‑factor authentication, strong passwords, and secure backups to safeguard your information.

How Long Your File Will Be Retained

Colorado law requires file retention for only a certain amount of time. Once that period passes, this sensitive information will be destroyed:

Below is the retention schedule:

Case Outcome and Retention Periods

Death Sentence, Life Without Parole, Indeterminate Sentence: Life of the Client

Felony (Appealed): 8 Years

Felony (No Appeal): 5 Years

Misdemeanor or Juvenile Case: 3 Years

Acquittal / Dismissal / Withdrawal / Failure to Appear / Similar Outcomes: 1 Year

How Files Are Destroyed

When the retention period ends, the file is permanently destroyed:

  • Physical documents are securely shredded.

  • Digital records are permanently deleted.

  • No duplicates of any documents are kept.

This applies to all case‑related materials — reports, motions, court orders, emails, exhibits, media files, and anything else connected to your case.

If You Think You’ll Need Your File Later

Your case could affect future matters — such as civil litigation, background checks, immigration, or sentence‑related issues. If you think you might want this information for any reason, you should securely store and back up any documents provided. Once your file reaches the end of its retention period, it cannot be recovered.

If you have questions or want guidance about which documents to keep, please reach out. Protecting your rights now and in the future is part of the commitment to you.

CDH Law Office, PLLC

Policy: File Retention Policy
Last Updated: 2026-02-18