In a crucial shift toward rehabilitation and fair access to opportunities, Arizona’s record sealing statute—A.R.S. § 13-911—was significantly amended in September 2024 through Senate Bill 1639. These changes were designed to clarify previous ambiguities, expand access for eligible individuals, and streamline the overall process. Yet despite the law being in effect since September 13, 2024, many legal professionals—including judges—remain unaware of its updates, with serious consequences for those seeking relief.
As legal professionals committed to second chances and accurate justice, we’ve already witnessed situations where updated provisions prevented improper denials. If we hadn’t spoken up during a recent hearing in 2025, a judge—unaware of the current law—would have rejected multiple sealing applications based on outdated standards.
Understanding the Key Changes
Arizona Senate Bill 1639 modified several components of the record sealing process under A.R.S. § 13-911. The legislature’s intent was to enhance accessibility for those who have completed their obligations to society, while also ensuring clarity in how courts and applicants interpret eligibility criteria. Below are the key updates you need to know:
- Fingerprint Clearance: Sealed cases counts as mitigation for fingerprint clearance under “good cause exception”.
- Monetary Obligations: Waiting periods don’t apply to fines, fees and restitution but you must finish paying all fines, fees, and restitution before applying.
- Case-by-Case Eligibility: Each eligible case can now be sealed individually even if other cases are not eligible yet.
- Repeat Felonies: If you have sealed a prior case, a new crime adds five extra years to the waiting period.
- 60-Day Review Period: Courts now have a minimum of 60 days to decide on sealing petitions, not 30.
- Disclosure Rules: Some employers can still require you to report sealed convictions with certian crimes.
- Wording Change: The law now omits “convicted of,” possibly affecting arrests and dismissals for ineligible crimes.
Why This Matters: Missed Relief and Misapplied Law
Unfortunately, we’ve seen firsthand how lack of awareness about these updates can harm applicants. Judges, prosecutors, and even some attorneys may still be working from outdated understandings of A.R.S. § 13-911. In one recent case, a judge nearly denied our client’s petition based on the former requirement that all cases be eligible before any could be sealed. That’s no longer the law—but without proactive advocacy, many applicants risk facing the same result.
This isn’t just theoretical. If judges deny relief based on outdated provisions, they may inadvertently violate due process. More troublingly, individuals who should be able to move forward from old convictions remain trapped in cycles of housing denials, employment rejections, and loss of dignity. Legal updates only help when they are applied—and that requires all participants in the system to be informed.
Taking the Next Step Toward Sealing
If you’ve been waiting to seal your record in Arizona, now is the time to reevaluate your eligibility. SB 1639 opens new doors, especially if you have multiple cases with differing timelines or have already completed all monetary obligations. The updated law is more nuanced and individualized, which means applicants need to be strategic and thorough when preparing their applications.
We regularly help clients navigate this terrain—explaining the steps, gathering documentation, and advocating in court. Just as importantly, we stay up to date on changes like SB 1639 so our clients don’t have to worry about their applications being denied based on outdated rules. While we can’t guarantee outcomes, we can ensure your petition is prepared and presented according to the current law, giving you the strongest possible chance at relief.
If you’re unsure whether your record qualifies, we’re happy to review your case and offer guidance tailored to your situation.
A Call for Systemic Awareness
What this recent experience highlighted for us—beyond just one judge’s confusion—is that legislative reform doesn’t work unless it’s recognized in the courtroom. The people who need relief most often don’t have the resources to educate the legal system about new laws. That burden shouldn’t fall on them. It falls on all of us in this profession to stay informed and to speak up when someone’s future is at stake.
We’re committed to doing our part—both in court and through community education. If you’ve had your application denied recently, it might be worth revisiting your case under the new law. We’re here to help you understand what’s changed and whether you now qualify.
Zachary Divelbiss, Lawyer
Future First Criminal Law
