Are you followed by a criminal conviction in many facets of your day-to-day life? Thanks to a new legal update in Arizona, you might be able to do something about it.
On January 1, 2023, A.R.S. Section 13-911 went into effect, which allows for certain individuals with criminal records to seal those records from public view. Previously, Arizona only allowed conviction “set-asides” but not expungements or record sealings. Once someone was convicted—or even just arrested—for a crime, it could hang over them and cause harm to their private and professional lives in many ways.
With the new Arizona criminal record sealing law, people with criminal convictions should have an easier time applying for loans, employment, housing, and financial aid. They will no longer need to disclose their arrests or convictions to employers, lenders, property owners, banks, etc., so they can’t be turned down simply for a criminal history. However, law enforcement agencies and related parties can still see the criminal record in full, even after it is sealed.
Do You Qualify for Criminal Record Sealing in Arizona?
You might be eligible to seal your criminal record if:
- You were arrested but never charged with a crime;
- You were charged with a crime but the case was dismissed;
- You were found not guilty through due criminal proceedings; and/or,
- You were convicted of certain eligible crimes and finished all sentencing requirements.
Not all crimes are eligible for criminal record sealing in Arizona. Under A.R.S. Section 13-911, certain offenses are specifically excluded from eligibility, including dangerous crimes against children, sexual offenses, and Class 1 felonies. Additionally, individuals must complete their sentence, including any probation or parole requirements, and wait specified periods before applying. The law establishes different waiting periods based on the classification of the offense, with misdemeanors generally having shorter waiting periods than felonies.
Who Can Help with Arizona Criminal Record Sealing?
Have questions about sealing your criminal record in Arizona? The new law is useful, but it might not be clear if you aren’t trained in criminal law. To get the answers you are looking for and to learn if you can move forward in life with a sealed criminal record, come to Suzuki Law Offices. With our help, you might be able to seal your criminal record and have an easier time in the future when applying for jobs, rent, loans, and more.
We are headquartered in Phoenix but can help clients across Arizona. Call 602-682-5270 or contact us online to learn more about criminal record sealing under the new Arizona law.