Why Record Sealing Matters in Arizona

Having a criminal record in Arizona can follow you long after you have completed your sentence. Employers, landlords, licensing boards, and even volunteer organizations often rely on background checks, which means an old conviction or dismissed charge can limit opportunities in ways that feel unfair and permanent. Arizona’s record sealing law changed that. Since 2023, many people now have a path to seal past criminal records and move forward without the weight of old mistakes holding them back.

Record sealing is one of the most meaningful forms of relief available in Arizona because it restores privacy. When a record is sealed, it is hidden from public background checks, online court portals, and most third-party databases. While law enforcement and courts can still access the information, the public cannot. For anyone trying to rebuild their life, that distinction makes a measurable difference.

This first section sets up the key question most people have: “Am I eligible?” Knowing whether a past misdemeanor, felony, or dismissed case can be sealed is the starting point. The rules are specific, the waiting periods differ by offense type, and certain crimes are automatically excluded. Understanding these requirements helps people avoid wasting time - and helps them see what options they truly have.

Understanding Arizona’s Record Sealing Law (A.R.S. 13-911)

Arizona’s record sealing law took effect in 2023 and created an entirely new form of relief for people with past criminal cases. Before this law existed, there was almost no meaningful way to hide or limit access to old records. Even dismissed charges or cases that ended in not guilty findings were still visible on background checks. The new statute changed this by allowing eligible individuals to seal records so they no longer appear in most public searches.

Record sealing in Arizona is different from expungement. Expungement wipes a record out completely, while sealing places the record behind restricted access. The public cannot view it, background check companies cannot use it, and employers or landlords will not see it. The information still exists in court and law enforcement systems, but it is treated as confidential. For most people, record sealing provides the same practical benefits as expungement because it removes the record from the places that matter most.

The law also applies broadly. It covers convictions, dismissed cases, not guilty verdicts, arrests that never led to charges, and cases where prosecutors declined to file. Each situation has different eligibility rules, but all can be sealed under the right circumstances. This makes the statute one of the most impactful criminal justice reforms in the state because it finally allows people to remove old barriers and access better opportunities.

A key benefit of A.R.S. 13-911 is consistency. The law sets out clear waiting periods and requirements for different offense levels, giving people a predictable path forward. Instead of navigating patchwork rules or unclear procedures, individuals now have a structured legal process they can follow. Understanding how the statute works is an essential step before determining whether a record qualifies for sealing.

Eligibility Requirements - Who Can Seal a Record in Arizona

Eligibility for record sealing in Arizona is based on several factors that must all be met before a petition can be filed. The core requirement is that the individual has fully completed every part of the sentence imposed by the court. This includes jail or prison time, probation, fines, restitution, treatment programs, community service, and any other conditions ordered by the judge. The case must be entirely closed with no outstanding obligations.

The person must also have no pending criminal charges. Arizona will not consider a petition if the individual is currently facing a new case or investigation. The law is designed to give relief to people who have moved past their old record and maintained a clean slate since their sentence ended.

Once those baseline requirements are met, eligibility depends on the type of offense and the mandatory waiting period. Most misdemeanors can be sealed once the sentence is completed and the required time has passed. Many non-dangerous felonies are also eligible. Arizona focuses on rehabilitation and the idea that people who demonstrate good conduct over time should be able to put old mistakes behind them.

Some offenses are excluded by statute, which means no amount of time or rehabilitation will make them eligible. These exclusions generally involve serious harm, violence, or significant risk to the public. Examples include certain dangerous crimes, violent crimes, some sex crimes, and offenses involving minors. A detailed list of exclusions appears in a later section.

Another important part of eligibility is how multiple cases interact. If a person has more than one conviction, the waiting period does not simply run for each case separately. In many situations, the clock will not begin until the most recent sentence is completed. This can affect timing, but it does not automatically disqualify someone. Even individuals with several past cases may still qualify once enough time has passed.

Overall, eligibility is determined by the nature of the offense, successful completion of the sentence, the absence of new criminal charges, and the specific waiting period for that offense level. Understanding these criteria helps people decide when to file and what to expect from the process.

Arizona Waiting Periods - How Long You Must Wait After Your Case Ends

Arizona sets specific waiting periods before someone can apply to seal a record. These timelines begin only after every part of the sentence is completed. That means the waiting period does not start when a judge pronounces the sentence. It starts when probation is finished, fines and restitution are paid, classes are completed, and all other conditions are closed.

The waiting periods are tied to the severity of the offense. Lower-level offenses require shorter waits, while more serious felonies require longer ones. For most misdemeanor convictions, the waiting period is relatively short. Petty offenses and low-level misdemeanors typically fall at the lower end of the timeline, making sealing more accessible for people with minor records.

Felony cases have longer requirements. Class 6 and class 5 felonies generally require a moderate waiting period, while class 4 and class 3 felonies require more time. The highest-level offenses, such as class 2 felonies, carry the longest waiting period. The law is structured so that people who demonstrate law-abiding behavior over a sustained period can still qualify even if their offense was more serious.

Cases that did not result in a conviction are treated differently. If a case was dismissed, resulted in a not guilty verdict, or the prosecutor declined to file charges, the record is eligible for sealing as soon as the case is resolved. There is no waiting period for these situations because the person was never found guilty of a crime.

It is also important to understand how multiple cases can affect the waiting period. If someone has several convictions over different years, the waiting period will normally begin after the most recent sentence is fully completed. The law focuses on continuous good conduct, so a newer conviction can delay the start of the waiting period for older cases.

These timelines make record sealing predictable. Once a person knows their offense level and the date the sentence was completed, they can determine exactly when they will be eligible to file. This clarity is one of the reasons Arizona’s record sealing law is considered an important step toward fairness and rehabilitation.

Crimes That Are Not Eligible for Record Sealing

Although Arizona’s record sealing law is broad, it does not apply to every type of offense. The statute specifically excludes certain crimes because the legislature determined they present a higher level of public safety concern. These exclusions are strict. If an offense is listed as ineligible, the record cannot be sealed regardless of how much time has passed or how successful the person has been since the case ended.

Serious violent offenses are among the most common exclusions. Crimes that involve the use or threat of serious physical harm are generally not eligible for sealing. This includes offenses classified as dangerous under Arizona law. Dangerous offenses typically involve a deadly weapon or conduct that created a substantial risk of death or serious injury. Because of the harm involved, these cases remain permanently accessible.

Crimes involving minors are also excluded. This includes offenses where a child was the victim, as well as certain crimes related to child exploitation or endangerment. Arizona takes a strict approach to these cases, and the law does not allow them to be sealed even if the individual has lived crime-free for many years.

Sex offenses are permanently ineligible as well. This applies across a wide range of charges, from sexual assault to indecent exposure in certain circumstances. The state considers these cases to carry lasting public safety implications, so they remain available to the public.

Certain DUI offenses are excluded too. Standard misdemeanor DUIs may be eligible in some situations, but DUIs that involved serious injury often fall under the ineligible category. Many people are surprised by this distinction, so reviewing the exact DUI classification is important.

Other exclusions include offenses that fall into special categories written directly into the statute. These may involve kidnapping, serious domestic violence crimes, or offenses with mandatory sentencing enhancements. If a crime is listed in the statutory exclusions, the court does not have discretion to override it.

Understanding these limitations is important because they set clear boundaries around who can benefit from record sealing. While many people qualify under Arizona’s new law, those with excluded offenses will need to explore other types of post-conviction relief instead.

Special Circumstances - When Eligibility May Change

Some situations do not fit neatly into a single rule, and Arizona’s record sealing law accounts for these by allowing eligibility to shift depending on the details of a person’s history. These special circumstances can affect timing, eligibility, or the overall strength of a petition. Understanding them helps people avoid surprises when they file.

Multiple convictions are one of the most common complications. When someone has more than one conviction on their record, the waiting period usually starts after the most recent sentence is fully completed. This means older cases may be eligible in theory, but the clock does not begin for any of them until all sentences across all cases are finished. Even with several convictions, people can still qualify for sealing, but the timing often changes.

Probation violations can also affect eligibility. A violation does not automatically disqualify someone, but it can extend the time until the case is considered complete. Since the waiting period does not begin until probation ends successfully, any violation that lengthens probation will delay eligibility. Courts may also look more closely at the circumstances of the violation when deciding whether to grant the petition.

Prior felony history can have an influence as well. While a single felony may be eligible after the required waiting period, multiple felonies may trigger longer timelines or require a stronger showing of rehabilitation. The law is still accessible to people with more complex histories, but the court will expect to see stability, consistency, and positive changes over time.

Some people may have cases that were dismissed, resulted in a not guilty verdict, or were never charged. These cases are often eligible for immediate sealing, but complications can arise if the records are tied to a broader investigation or if multiple related charges were filed separately. In those situations, a court may need to review all associated records before granting relief.

There are also rare cases where the classification of the offense changes eligibility. For example, a charge reduced from a dangerous offense to a non-dangerous offense at sentencing may become eligible even though the original allegation would not have been. The final conviction, not the initial charge, determines eligibility.

These special circumstances highlight why many people benefit from legal guidance. The rules are clear, but the real-world details of someone’s criminal history can create unexpected variations that affect how and when they qualify.

Benefits of Sealing Your Record in Arizona

Sealing a criminal record in Arizona offers practical, everyday advantages that can significantly improve someone’s quality of life. Although the information remains accessible to courts and law enforcement, it is removed from public access, which is what matters most for employment, housing, and personal privacy. For many people, sealing a record is the key to finally moving forward without old mistakes limiting their opportunities.

Employment is often the biggest benefit. Many employers run background checks as part of the hiring process, and even a minor or very old conviction can influence their decision. When a record is sealed, it no longer appears in these searches, which makes it far easier to qualify for jobs that were previously out of reach. This is especially important for people entering licensed professions or fields that require trust and clear backgrounds.

Housing opportunities also expand. Landlords frequently use background checks when deciding whether to rent to someone. A sealed record allows applicants to be judged on their current circumstances instead of their past. For families trying to secure stable housing or individuals trying to rebuild their independence, this change can make a major difference.

Professional and occupational licenses are another area where sealing helps. Boards for fields such as healthcare, real estate, cosmetology, and financial services often consider criminal histories when granting or renewing licenses. While some boards may still ask about certain convictions, sealed records reduce barriers and can improve eligibility.

Personal privacy is an important benefit as well. Many third-party websites and data brokers collect and publish criminal records, making them easy to find online. When a record is sealed, companies are required to remove it from their databases once they update their listings. This prevents old cases from resurfacing during online searches and helps individuals restore their reputation.

Finally, sealing a record offers a sense of closure. The legal system recognizes that people can change, and Arizona’s law reflects that belief. When someone seals a record, it marks a clear point where their past no longer defines their future. This emotional and psychological relief can be just as important as the practical benefits, giving people the confidence and freedom to rebuild their lives.

How to Apply - The Record Sealing Process in Arizona

The process of sealing a criminal record in Arizona is designed to be accessible, but it still requires careful preparation. Every petition must show that the individual meets the eligibility requirements and that the waiting period has fully passed. Because each county has slightly different expectations for formatting and supporting documents, it is important to approach the process with a clear plan.

The first step is gathering all case information. This includes the case number, sentencing documents, proof that all fines and restitution were paid, and any paperwork showing the completion of classes, treatment programs, or community service. Courts will not move forward unless the sentence is fully completed, so having accurate records is essential.

Once the documentation is collected, the next step is completing the petition. Arizona courts provide standardized forms for record sealing under A.R.S. 13-911, but the petitioner must fill them out carefully and attach supporting evidence. The petition will ask for the offense level, the date of final sentence completion, and a statement explaining why sealing is appropriate. In some counties, the form must also list all related charges or case numbers, even those that were dismissed.

After the petition is filed, the prosecutor’s office has the opportunity to review it and either agree, object, or request a hearing. If the prosecutor objects, the court may require additional information or schedule a hearing where both sides can present their arguments. If the prosecutor does not object, many judges will decide the petition based on the written materials alone.

If a hearing is scheduled, the judge will consider factors such as the nature of the offense, the individual’s conduct since the case ended, community involvement, and overall rehabilitation. This is the petitioner’s chance to explain why sealing the record serves justice and supports their ability to move forward. Judges often give significant weight to good behavior, steady employment, and community contributions.

Once the judge makes a decision, the court will issue an order either granting or denying the petition. If approved, the court notifies law enforcement agencies and the Arizona Department of Public Safety so that the record can be removed from public access. Background check companies update their information over time, which means the benefits of sealing become more visible as databases refresh.

While the process can be completed without a lawyer, many people choose to work with an attorney to avoid mistakes, strengthen the petition, and ensure all paperwork is complete. This is especially helpful in cases involving multiple convictions, borderline eligibility issues, or past probation violations.

When to Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Although Arizona’s record sealing law is meant to be accessible, many people find that a lawyer can make a meaningful difference in the outcome. Eligibility rules may seem straightforward at first, but real-world criminal histories often include multiple cases, probation extensions, overlapping timelines, or old files that are hard to locate. An attorney can review the full record, identify any risks, and make sure the petition is filed correctly the first time.

A lawyer is especially helpful when there are special circumstances. Multiple convictions, probation violations, or older felony cases can require strategic planning to show the court that you have fully rehabilitated and that sealing the record is appropriate. When a case involves an offense close to the statutory exclusions, legal guidance becomes even more important so the petition does not get denied due to technical details or incomplete information.

Representation also matters if the prosecutor objects. An objection does not mean the petition will fail, but it does mean the court is likely to schedule a hearing. A lawyer can prepare evidence, write legal arguments, present your progress to the judge, and address any concerns raised by the prosecution. This can significantly increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

An attorney can also manage the administrative side of the process. Some courts require supplemental documents, certified copies, or formatted filings that must follow county-specific rules. Missing even one piece of paperwork can delay the petition by months. A lawyer ensures deadlines are met, filings are complete, and the court receives the strongest possible submission.

Finally, hiring a lawyer gives peace of mind. Record sealing can change someone’s future, and it is often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Having professional guidance helps avoid mistakes and gives people confidence that they are taking the right steps to reclaim privacy and expand their opportunities.

For anyone unsure about their eligibility, dealing with complicated circumstances, or wanting the best possible chance of success, speaking with a criminal defense attorney is a smart step. Doran Justice can review the details, build a strong petition, and guide clients through every part of the process.

FAQ - Arizona Record Sealing Eligibility Requirements

Can I seal a misdemeanor in Arizona?

Yes. Most misdemeanors are eligible for record sealing once the sentence is fully completed and the required waiting period has passed. Minor offenses often have shorter timelines, which makes them some of the easiest cases to seal.

Are felony convictions eligible for record sealing?

Many non-dangerous felonies can be sealed after the appropriate waiting period. The offense level determines how long you must wait, and class 2 felonies require the longest timeline. Dangerous felonies, violent crimes, and offenses involving serious harm are not eligible.

Can DUI convictions be sealed?

Some DUI convictions may qualify, but many DUIs that involved injuries are excluded by statute. The specific DUI classification is important, so it should be reviewed carefully.

What if I had multiple cases?

You may still qualify. The waiting period usually begins after the most recent sentence in your most recent case is completed. Older cases can still be sealed once the full waiting period has run from that date.

Can I seal a record that was dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict?

Yes. These cases are some of the easiest to seal. There is no waiting period, and you can file a petition as soon as the case is resolved.

How long does the court take to decide?

Timelines vary by county, but most decisions take a few months. If the prosecutor objects, the process can take longer because the court may schedule a hearing.

Do sealed records ever reopen?

For the public, no. A sealed record is removed from general access and from most background checks. Law enforcement and courts can still view the record if necessary, but it remains hidden from employers, landlords, and the public.

Does sealing restore my civil rights?

Not necessarily. Record sealing affects public access to your record but does not automatically restore rights such as firearm possession or voting in certain cases. Those issues must be handled through separate legal processes.