Arizona Record Removal Cost: Is It Worth The Investment?

The Price of a Second Chance

If you are reading this, you are likely standing at a pivotal crossroads, looking toward a future unburdened by past mistakes. You know that a criminal record, even for an old or minor offense, can feel like a life sentence, haunting job applications, housing searches, and even educational opportunities.

The question isn’t whether you want to remove that shadow; the question is, “How much does record removal cost, and is it truly worth the investment?”

This is not a simple question with a single number answer. In Arizona, the legal options available to clear your past, specifically Set Aside, Record Sealing, and Marijuana Expungement, each carry different procedures, different eligibility requirements, and consequently, different costs and levels of benefit.

We understand that for many, the financial burden of legal action can seem daunting. However, when you weigh that cost against the potential return on investment (ROI), gaining meaningful employment, securing stable housing, and recovering your civil rights, the value proposition becomes incredibly compelling.

In this comprehensive guide, built on Arizona law and expert experience, we will break down the precise fees, the factors that drive up costs, and most importantly, the profound, life-changing value that a clear record delivers.

Take the next step toward a clean slate. Hire us to start clearing your record today.

What Are the Core Methods for Record Removal in Arizona?

Before discussing costs, we must define the legal relief you are seeking. Arizona has historically been unique, offering a “Set Aside” rather than traditional expungement. However, recent groundbreaking legislation has added the crucial option of “Record Sealing.” Understanding the difference is the first step in calculating your investment.

Set Aside (A.R.S. § 13-905)

The Set Aside is the traditional form of post-conviction relief in Arizona. It is a vital and valuable legal action, but it does not hide your record from the public.

• Action: The court reopens your case, vacates the judgment of guilt, and dismisses the underlying charges.
• Result: You are legally “released from all penalties and disabilities” resulting from the conviction. The order can also include a Certificate of Second Chance for eligible offenses. Firearm arm right can be restored.
• Visibility: The record remains a public document (accessible by background checks), but it is annotated with a notation that the conviction was “Set Aside”.
• Filing Fee: Most counties do not charge a filing fee for Set Aside petitions.
• Timing: Available after the fulfillment of all sentence conditions, including probation, jail time, restitution, and fines.
• Eligibility Note: Set Asides are not available for dismissed cases or diversions that resulted in dismissal, those require Record Sealing instead.

Record Sealing (A.R.S. § 13-911)

This law, effective December 31, 2022, is Arizona’s most comprehensive form of relief for many felony and misdemeanor convictions. It offers far greater privacy and protection than a Set Aside.

• Action: The court issues an order sealing all records related to the arrest, charge, conviction, and sentence.
• Result: The record is hidden from public view and made non-public. It typically will not appear in public background checks for employment or housing.
• Visibility: You may legally state on most applications that you have never been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of the sealed crime. Government agencies and law enforcement still retain access for official purposes.
• Eligibility: You must have completed all terms of the sentence (including financial obligations) and wait the required statutory waiting period, ranging from 2 to 10 years, depending on the offense class and whether you have prior felonies.
• Cost Implications: Some counties charge filing fees (up to ~$100), and there may be additional document retrieval or DPS correction fees.

Marijuana Expungement (A.R.S. § 36-2862)

This process, passed through Proposition 207, is the only form of true “expungement” in Arizona, meaning the record is completely erased.

• Action: The court expunges (erases) all references to the arrest, charge, and conviction.
• Eligibility: Applies to specific personal-use marijuana offenses, such as possession of up to 2.5 ounces, six or fewer plants, or paraphernalia.
• Cost: There is no filing fee, and it is generally a much simpler process than sealing or setting aside.

Important Note: Expungement is only available for marijuana-related offenses. For all other crimes, the best option is typically sealing (if eligible) or set aside.

The filing is free, but the outcome matters. Hire us to ensure your expungement is done correctly and completely.

How Much Does Arizona Record Removal Cost, Generally?

The question of cost has two main components: Mandatory Court/State Fees and Optional Attorney Fees.

1. Mandatory Court and State Fees

Filing fees are surprisingly low, but there are still related costs:

• Set Aside Filing Fee: Usually $0, though this can vary slightly by county.
• Sealing Filing Fee: Varies by court, but typically around $100 or less.
• Certified Copies: $10–$30 each.
• DPS Correction Fee: Roughly $25–$200, depending on record update requirements.
• Document Retrieval: May be $50–$300 for archived discharge papers or court records.

Estimated DIY Court Costs: $100–$600 per case.

2. Attorney Fees for Professional Representation

Hiring an experienced attorney can reduce errors, delays, and denials, especially for sealing cases.

• Set Aside Misdemeanor or Felony: around $1,500 to $2,500
• Sealing Record Misdemeanor or Felony: around $1,700 to $3,000
• Marijuana Expungement Misdemeanor or Felony: around $1,500 to $2,500
• Discounts: Usually offered for multiple cases or if you pay in full
• Free Cases: Sometimes if you hire for Sealing Records the firm will do free Set Asides for the same case

Reasons for these variations include:

• Multi-county filings
• Felonies vs. misdemeanors
• Missing documents (absolute discharge, probation termination, etc)
• Opposition by the prosecutor
• In person court appearances
• Drafting legal letters of support
• Months of calling the court to get updates
• Ensuring the applications are perfect for each specific case
• The more cases, the more complex as separate applications are required for each case

Denied sealing petitions require a 3-year wait before you can reapply, making mistakes costly.

Protect your chances and avoid costly delays. Hire us to handle your case the right way.

What Factors Determine the Total Price of Legal Relief?

1. Number of Cases or Jurisdictions

Each case number requires its own petition. Cases in multiple counties increase the workload significantly.

2. Severity and Type of Offense

Felonies typically require more legal work, longer waiting periods, more court appearances and face a higher chance of objection.

Note: Some violent or sexual offenses are not eligible for sealing under A.R.S. § 13-911.

3. Document Availability

Missing discharge papers or proof of payment can delay or block a petition. Attorneys often charge more if records must be located and requested.

4. Type of Relief Requested

Sealing is more complex than Set Aside and requires precise timing and legal argument. Attorneys factor this into pricing.

What is the True Return on Investment (ROI) of Sealing a Record?

1. Career Access and Higher Wages

Removing a record boosts access to better-paying jobs and professional licensing.

For example, a pay raise of $10/hr could equate to $20,000+ per year. Over a 30-year career, that’s $600,000+ in potential gains.

2. Better Housing Access

Sealing removes the most common barrier to securing affordable, stable housing.

3. Civil Rights Restoration

Sealing and Set Aside may help restore your right to vote, serve on a jury, and in some cases, own firearms (though firearm restoration may require a set aside or separate petition).

Important: Firearm rights are not automatically restored by sealing. Speak with an attorney for case-specific advice.

Do I Qualify for the New Arizona Record Sealing Law (A.R.S. § 13-911)?

Completion of Sentence

You must have finished:

• Jail/prison time
• Probation
• Fines and restitution

Statutory Waiting Periods

• Class 2–3 Felony: 10 years
• Class 4–6 Felony: 5 years
• Class 1 Misdemeanor: 3 years
• Class 2–3 Misdemeanor: 2 years

Excluded Offenses

The following offenses are NOT eligible for sealing:

• Class 1 felonies
• Most sexual offenses
• Serious violent crimes
• Cases involving a victim under 15
• Dangerous offenses involving weapons or serious injury

Can I File to Have My Record Removed Without Hiring a Lawyer?

Yes, you can file pro per (on your own), but be aware of risks:

• Filing for the wrong relief can lead to immediate denial
• Incomplete documentation may lead to delays or rejection
• Prosecutorial objection may trigger a hearing you’re unprepared for
• Denied sealing = 3-year delay before you can try again

Conclusion: The Ultimate Value is a Clean Slate

Whether you spend $300 or $4,000, the goal is the same: freedom.

When done right, record removal opens doors to housing, employment, and peace of mind. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or want a team to guide you, contact our office for a free consultation.

Zachary Divelbiss, Lawyer
Future First Criminal Law

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Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Record Removal Cost

1. Does a Set Aside or Record Sealing guarantee I will get a job?
No, but both significantly improve your odds. Sealing allows you to legally check the “no” box in most non-government job applications.

2. Can I get a refund of my original fines and fees after my record is sealed?
No. You must pay all fines in full before applying. Sealing does not reimburse paid amounts.

3. If my record is sealed, can the police or government still see it?
Yes. Law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, and certain agencies retain access. The record is hidden from the public.

4. How long does the entire record sealing process take in Arizona?
4–9 months on average. This includes gathering documents, notifying the prosecutor, waiting 60+ days for DPS response, and time for the judge to grant, deny or dismiss each application.