The Complete Guide to Sealing Criminal Records in Arizona (A.R.S. § 13-911)

Your Second Chance: Navigating Arizona’s New Record Sealing Laws

For years, Arizona was known as one of the toughest states in the country for anyone trying to move past a criminal mistake. Unlike many other states, Arizona historically did not offer broad expungement that wiped the slate clean, although Arizona now does allow true expungement for certain marijuana-related offenses. If you had an arrest or a conviction, it stayed on your record, visible to every landlord, employer, and nosy neighbor with a WiFi connection.

That changed on January 1, 2023.

With the enactment of Arizona Revised Statute § 13-911, the state finally opened a door for good people who made a mistake to legally hide their past. This is a life-changing shift in how criminal history is handled in the Grand Canyon State.

At Future First Criminal Law, we believe your past should not define your future. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sealing your records, how it differs from a “set aside,” and how you can reclaim your reputation.

What is Arizona’s Record Sealing Law (A.R.S. 13-911)?

Under A.R.S. § 13-911, eligible individuals can petition the court to seal all case records related to a criminal offense. This includes records of your arrest, conviction, and sentence.

When a record is sealed:

• It is hidden from the public: It will no longer appear on public-access websites or in standard background checks used by employers and landlords.
• You can legally say “No”: In most instances, including applications for employment, housing, and loans, you can legally state that you have never been arrested for or convicted of that specific crime.
• Privacy is restored: While law enforcement and courts can still see the record for specific official purposes, the rest of the world cannot.

How does record sealing differ from a “Set Aside”?

This is the most common question we hear at Future First Criminal Law. While both provide relief, they serve very different purposes.

1. Set Aside (A.R.S. § 13-905): This has been Arizona’s “go-to” for decades. It doesn’t hide the record. Instead, it adds a note to your criminal history stating the “judgment of guilt is vacated.” It shows you completed your requirements, but the “black mark” is still visible.
2. Sealing (A.R.S. § 13-911): This goes a step further by removing the record from public view entirely.

Can you do both?

In some cases, a Set Aside may be helpful alongside Record Sealing, but it is not required. A Set Aside and Sealing are separate remedies with different eligibility rules and different legal effects.

Who is eligible to seal their record in Arizona?

Eligibility for record sealing in Arizona depends largely on how the case was resolved. In general, you may qualify if you were convicted of a criminal offense and have completed all required terms of your sentence, including paying all fines, fees, and restitution. You may also be eligible if your case was dismissed, you were found not guilty at trial, or you were arrested but never formally charged. Each category has specific waiting periods and requirements, but the law is designed to give many people a path to move forward after their case is fully resolved.

Which crimes are excluded from record sealing?

Although Arizona’s sealing law is broad, it does not apply to every offense. Certain serious crimes are excluded, including dangerous offenses, dangerous crimes against children, serious or violent felonies, offenses involving the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon or the infliction of serious physical injury, sex trafficking, and specific felony offenses outlined in chapters 14 and 35.1 of the Arizona criminal code. If your case involves any of these categories, additional legal review may be necessary to determine your options.

How do you start the petition process?

The process is procedural and requires strict attention to detail. A single mistake on your paperwork can lead to a summary denial, forcing you to wait up to three years to try again.

1. Gather Records: You need your case number, the date of the offense, the arresting agency, and proof that your sentence is 100% complete (including every cent of restitution).
2. File the Petition: You must file the petition in the specific court where your case was handled (e.g., Maricopa County Superior Court, Phoenix Municipal Court, etc).
3. Notify the Prosecutor: After filing, the court generally may not grant or deny the petition for 60 calendar days unless the prosecutor and any entitled victims do not object. The prosecutor may respond and request a hearing.
4. The Judge’s Decision: The judge will determine if sealing the record is in the “best interest of the petitioner and the public’s safety.”

Why should you hire an attorney for record sealing?

While it is possible to file a petition on your own, the process requires precision and a clear understanding of both the law and court procedures. Even small errors in dates, charges, or documentation can result in a denial and a mandatory waiting period before you can reapply. At Future First Criminal Law, we ensure your petition is accurate, complete, and strategically prepared before it reaches the judge. We also handle communication with the court and step in to advocate on your behalf if the prosecutor objects, giving you the strongest possible chance at a successful outcome.

What happens after the court grants the order?

Once the judge signs the order, the clerk of the court notifies the Department of Public Safety (DPS). DPS then updates the state and federal databases.

It is important to remember that sealing is not “erasure.” Law enforcement, the courts, and certain agencies may still access sealed records, and some jobs or applications still require disclosure. For many private employment and housing situations, however, the record will no longer appear in the same way it did before sealing.

Hire Future First Criminal Law Today

Don’t let a mistake from 5 or 10+ years ago continue to sabotage your career and housing. The law has finally caught up to the idea of a second chance, and it’s time for you to take it.

Contact Future First Criminal Law today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to help you seal your past and put your future first.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I seal a DUI conviction in Arizona?

Many DUI convictions may be eligible for sealing under A.R.S. § 13-911 if all sentencing requirements have been completed and the required waiting period has passed. However, cases involving serious physical injury, dangerous offenses, or other disqualifying factors may not qualify, and sealing does not remove MVD-related consequences.

Does record sealing restore my gun rights?

Not automatically. Record sealing hides the record from the public, but it does not technically “restore” rights lost due to a felony. Sealing does not automatically restore firearm rights. In some cases, firearm rights may be addressed through a Set Aside or a separate restoration process, depending on the offense and the person’s record. Future First Criminal Law can handle both processes for you.

Will a sealed record show up on a background check?

For most private employers, landlords, and credit agencies, the answer is no. Once DPS processes the order, the record is removed from public-facing databases. Only specific government agencies and law enforcement will retain access.