Clearing Multiple Criminal Cases in Arizona
Past charges don’t have to define your future or limit your opportunities. Even if you have more than one case on your record, Arizona law provides a legal path to help you move forward—one step at a time. Whether you’re dealing with old convictions, dismissed charges, or multiple entries that continue to affect your personal or professional life, taking action is possible. At Future First Criminal Law, we take care of the overwhelming process of sealing, setting aside, or expunging multiple records on your behlaf so you do not have to figure it out yourself. With a focus on strategy, precision, and compassion, we ensure each case is handled with the attention it deserves—because everyone deserves a second chance.
Multiple Cases Require a Thoughtful Legal Strategy
By law, each case on your record must be addressed individually. That means meeting the specific legal criteria for every charge, following the right timelines, and filing with the appropriate court. While the process may seem overwhelming, the right legal approach can significantly reduce the burden of a complex record. It’s not just about paperwork—it’s about understanding how each case affects the next and building a strategy that gives you the best chance of success. An organized, well-timed application can make all the difference in how the court views your request.
Legal Options for Record Relief
Record Sealing (A.R.S. § 13-911)
Sealing removes the visibility of eligible criminal records—including arrests, charges, and convictions—from public databases and background searches. Employers, landlords, and most private agencies will no longer see them during routine screening processes.
Set Aside (A.R.S. § 13-905)
A set aside doesn’t erase a conviction, but it vacates the judgment of guilt and updates the official record. This change shows the court has recognized that your sentence is complete. It may also help restore civil rights like firearm ownership.
Expungement (A.R.S. § 36-2862)
For those with past marijuana charges, Proposition 207 allows for full expungement of qualifying offenses. Expunged records are treated as if they never existed—offering a powerful path to a clean slate.
Do All of Your Cases Qualify?
Each case must meet its own eligibility criteria:
- You must complete all sentencing terms (including jail, probation, fines, and restitution)
- The waiting period for each charge must be completed
- The offense must be legally eligible under Arizona laws
Not all charges qualify for relief. For example, certain “dangerous” or “violent” crimes, sex offenses, and crimes involving children may not be eligible for sealing or a set aside. However, even if not all of your record can be cleared, removing just a few charges can make a major difference.
How Our Law Firm Can Help
At Future First Criminal Law, we make the process of clearing multiple criminal cases manageable and effective. Our team reviews your full record, identifies the best legal path for each offense, prepares court-ready applications, and handles filings across Arizona jurisdictions. We know what Arizona judges look for—and we’re here to advocate for your rehabilitation and your future every step of the way. If you’re ready to reduce the impact of your past and start fresh, we’re ready to do it for you.
FAQ:
Can I seal or set aside more than one criminal case in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona law allows multiple cases to be sealed or set aside, but each case must qualify individually and be handled through its own legal process. There is no single petition that covers all cases at once.
Do I need to file separate petitions for each court or jurisdiction?
Yes. If your cases occurred in different counties or cities, each court must receive its own petition. The court where the case originated is the only court with authority to approve or deny that specific request.
What if one of my petitions is denied? Does it affect the others?
No. A denial in one case does not automatically impact your other petitions. Each case is evaluated independently. However, judges may consider your overall criminal history when reviewing your requests.
How do recent convictions affect my chances of sealing or setting aside older cases?
Courts may take recent offenses into account when reviewing petitions. While recent convictions don’t automatically disqualify older cases, they can influence how a judge views your rehabilitation and eligibility for relief.
Can I expunge multiple marijuana-related offenses at once?
Yes. If you have several qualifying marijuana charges, you can file petitions to expunge each one—often simultaneously. Each must be submitted to the court that originally handled the charge, but the process is generally faster and more straightforward than other types of relief.
Why should I bother clearing only some of my cases if not all are eligible?
Even partial record relief can make a meaningful difference. Removing just one or two offenses can improve your chances of passing background checks, securing employment, or being approved for housing or licenses.
Is there a benefit to doing both a set aside and sealing for the same case?
Yes. In some situations, especially for DUI convictions, doing both can be advantageous. A set aside formally vacates the judgment of guilt, while sealing removes public access to the record. Your attorney can help determine if pursuing both is appropriate.
No. Sealing Records, Set Asides, and Expungements at our firm are only eligible for cases that happened in Arizona. If your case happened outside of Arizona, you must contact a lawyer in that state. The rule is always based on where the incident occurred or was charged, not where you live at the time of the application.
The application will be based on the information you provide to the firm, so it is strongly recommended that you do your research to gather as much information as possible. Yes, the firm will internally attempt to verify the information you provided, but often, the firm will have to rely on the information you provide.
If your application is denied based on inaccurate information provided, no refund will be given. However, you can contact the firm, and we can typically work out a discount for a second application.
If your Sealing Records application is denied, you will automatically have to wait an additional three years before we can file a new application. However, if the firm believes that the application was incorrectly denied, we do have a way of giving it a second chance to have the judge reconsider and approve it. If the application is denied, it is commonly recommended to hire Set Aside as they have different legal standards, and you do not have to wait the additional three years.
If your Set Aside application is denied, we will contact you and advise you as to why. If an error in the application can be corrected, a new application can be filed. If the firm caused the error, there will be no additional cost. If the error was due to incorrect information provided by you, then you will have to purchase a new application.
If a Set Aside application was denied, then it is unlikely, but not impossible, that a Sealing Records application will also be denied. If needed, contact the firm for specific advice.
If your Expungement application is denied, it is likely due to having too much marijuana, exceeding the 2 1/2 ounces required by the expungement law. It is typically recommended that you hire Sealing Records as the next best option, as Sealing Records has a different legal requirement and can often be approved even though your Expungement application was denied.
Yes. Once the application is finalized, the firm usually sends you a copy to sign electronically before submitting it to the court. If your signature is required but you do not sign the application, that will not be a valid reason for a refund. Not signing the application will cause a delay in your filing, which will not be sufficient for a refund. Please contact us in writing for any exceptions.