Consumer Guide

How Long Does Arizona Record Sealing Really Take?

You've filed your petition under A.R.S. § 13-911. Now what? Here's the realistic timeline, broken down by phase.

The phases

A § 13-911 sealing petition moves through four phases:

1. Filing — Day 0 (you submit the petition)
2. Service — Days 1-7 (you serve the prosecutor)
3. Prosecutor response window — Days 7-67 (60 days from service)
4. Court ruling — Days 67-100 (typically 7-30 days after the response window)

Total: roughly 67-100 days for uncontested petitions.

Phase 1: Filing

Filing happens at the original convicting court. Most courts process petitions same-day if filed in person, or within a few days if mailed. The petition gets a case number and is officially "filed."

Phase 2: Service on the prosecutor

Within a few days of filing, you must serve a copy of the petition on the prosecutor — typically by certified mail. The clock for the prosecutor's response begins when service is completed, not when you filed.

Plan for 5-10 days between filing and effective service.

Phase 3: Prosecutor response window (60 days)

SB 1639 (effective September 2024) expanded this window from 30 days to 60. The prosecutor has 60 days to file an objection. In practice, three things happen during this window:

• Most often: The prosecutor reviews and takes no action — meaning no objection. The court can then rule on the papers.
• Occasionally: The prosecutor files a procedural objection (e.g., service was defective, missing documentation). These are usually curable.
• Rarely: The prosecutor files a substantive objection contesting eligibility. This typically triggers a hearing.

Phase 4: Court ruling

After the 60-day window closes:

• If uncontested, most courts rule within 7-14 days on the papers
• If contested, the court schedules a hearing — typically 30-60 days out
• If the petition is granted, the sealing order is issued and the record is removed from public view within a few weeks
• If denied, the petitioner has 3 years before they can refile under § 13-911(L)

County variation

Different counties move at different speeds:

• Maricopa (Phoenix): 60-90 days typical for uncontested
• Pima (Tucson): 75-120 days
• Smaller counties (Pinal, Coconino, Yavapai, Mohave, Cochise, Yuma): 60-120 days, varies with judicial calendar

What slows it down

• Prosecutor objections (adds 30-90 days for hearing)
• Service defects (re-service required)
• Missing documentation (court may request supplements)
• Holiday courts schedules around end-of-year

What you can't speed up

The 60-day prosecutor window is statutory. The court legally cannot rule before it closes. So even an "uncontested" petition takes a minimum of about 70 days from filing.

Nobody can promise you a 30-day sealing in Arizona. If anyone does, walk away.