If you’ve been convicted of a crime and fulfilled the terms of your sentence, a legal option exists in Arizona that can help you move forward—a “set aside.” While it’s not the same as expungement, it offers real benefits for your future. From employment to housing and peace of mind, we guide our clients through the process with the goal of minimizing the long-term impact of a criminal record.
A set aside gives you a chance to clear the judgment of guilt from your record after you’ve completed your sentence. It’s one of the most valuable tools Arizona law provides for people trying to rebuild their lives after a conviction.
What Is a Set Aside?
A set aside doesn’t erase the conviction, but it updates your record to show that the judgment has been dismissed. This means future employers, landlords, and licensing agencies will see that you met all court requirements and that your case has been officially resolved in your favor.
Eligibility for a set aside depends on the type of conviction, your compliance with the sentence, and whether you pose any ongoing threat. Serious offenses—like violent crimes or crimes involving serious injury—are generally not eligible. But many felony and misdemeanor charges, including DUI, drug possession, and assault, can be set aside. We handle the entire process, from petition preparation to communication with the court.
Learn more about how the process works on our Arizona set aside information page.
Key Benefits of a Set Aside
Setting aside a conviction in Arizona provides major advantages in daily life, including:
- Employment Opportunities: A set aside can help you pass background checks and show potential employers that the court has dismissed your conviction.
- Professional Licensing: Whether you work in health care, education, or the skilled trades, clearing your record can remove barriers to licensing.
- Housing Applications: Landlords often run criminal background checks. A set aside signals that the offense was resolved and shouldn’t be held against you.
- Restoration of Civil Rights: In most cases, a set aside restores your rights, including voting, jury service, and firearm rights—though firearm rights may be denied and require a separate petition.
- Emotional Closure: For many, the biggest benefit is the peace of mind that comes with formally addressing a past mistake.
We regularly work with clients whose convictions affected their ability to open a savings account, receive direct deposit, or access certain benefits. A set aside can help improve accessibility to systems impacted by a criminal record—including applications related to human resources, health care, or taxable income.
Filing the Petition
The process starts with preparing a formal petition and submitting it to the court where the conviction occurred. That might be a municipal, justice, or superior court, depending on your case. We handle every detail: drafting the petition, collecting documentation, and responding to questions from the court or prosecutor. In some cases, we may appear on your behalf.
We’ve made it easy to begin—whether you want to talk to us first or you’re ready to file. You can purchase the set aside service online or reach out for a consultation to determine your eligibility.
Set Aside vs. Expungement
Arizona law doesn’t offer traditional expungement in most criminal cases. Instead, the set aside serves as a way to demonstrate that your conviction, sentence, and any probation or fees have been fully satisfied. Unlike expungement, the conviction remains visible but is clearly marked as dismissed.
That distinction is important. Employers, landlords, and agencies reviewing your record will see that the court officially acknowledges you completed the legal requirements and no longer considers the conviction an active judgment of guilt.
Is a Set Aside Right for You?
We walk each client through the pros, the limitations, and the steps ahead. Whether your conviction was for theft, drug possession, assault, or a DUI, we’ll determine whether your case qualifies and what filing would involve. We also help address related questions about licenses, fingerprints, or other legal obligations that might still apply.
If your case involved issues like poverty, fine payments, deferred compensation, or health savings accounts, a set aside can support efforts to rebuild your finances and access more stable resources. Every case deserves a second look.
Start Moving Forward
We know how frustrating it is to have an old conviction holding you back. Whether you’re ready to file or just looking for clarity, we’re here to help you take the next step. Learn more about the process on our set aside service page or start your petition today.
