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Clearing Your Criminal Record in Arizona
Plain-English guides to every Arizona record-relief path. Statute citations included so you can verify what you read.
Arizona has seven distinct ways to clear, restore, or reduce a criminal record. Each is governed by a different statute, has different eligibility rules, and produces a different legal effect. The right path for you depends on the offense class, when it happened, what's on your record now, and what you need the relief to accomplish.
Below are deep-dive guides on each path. We wrote these so you could understand the law before deciding whether to file — no pressure, no upsells, no buyer-beware tactics. If after reading you decide you'd like our help preparing the paperwork, we're at the bottom of every page. If you decide to file pro se, the statute citations and procedure descriptions should give you everything you need to get started.
The seven paths
Record Sealing
A.R.S. § 13-911
Hides your record from public view. You can legally state most arrests/convictions never happened. Effective September 13, 2024 (SB 1639).
Set-Aside Conviction
A.R.S. § 13-905
Vacates the judgment of guilt and adds a "set aside" notation. Doesn't hide the record but materially changes how it reads on background checks.
Civil Rights Restoration
A.R.S. §§ 13-907, 13-908
Restores the right to vote, serve on a jury, and hold public office. Auto for first-time AZ felons (HB2119, eff. Sept 24, 2022).
Firearm Rights Restoration
A.R.S. § 13-910
Restores the right to possess a firearm after a felony conviction. Statutory waiting periods apply; dangerous offenses are barred entirely.
Marijuana Expungement
A.R.S. § 36-2862
True expungement (record destroyed) for personal-use marijuana convictions. Authorized by Prop 207 (2020).
Class 6 Felony Designation
A.R.S. § 13-604
Designates an undesignated Class 6 felony as a misdemeanor after probation completion. Substantial reduction in stigma and consequences.
Admin Per Se Expungement
A.R.S. § 28-3004
Removes an Admin Per Se notation from your MVD record after a DUI dismissal, acquittal, or 12 months without charge.
Overview of All Options
All Arizona record-relief paths
Walks through every path side-by-side, helps you identify which fit your situation. Best starting point if you're not sure where to begin.
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