How a Criminal Attorney at Law Can Help Seal Your Record in Arizona

For many people with a past criminal charge or conviction in Arizona, the consequences continue long after the case is over. A mistake from years ago can follow you into job interviews, rental applications, and even college admissions. But Arizona law now offers hope through a powerful legal process known as record sealing. Under A.R.S. § 13-911, it’s possible to seal qualifying criminal records so they’re no longer visible to the public. That means employers, landlords, and most background check systems won’t see them, and in many cases, you won’t have to disclose them at all.

We work with people every day who are ready to move forward with their lives, but feel held back by the past. Our role as criminal defense attorneys is to walk them through the process, explain the requirements clearly, and put together a strong petition that gives them the best chance at success. This blog explains how sealing works in Arizona, what makes someone eligible, and how legal representation can help make a complicated process much smoother and more effective.

What Does It Mean to Seal a Criminal Record?

Sealing a record in Arizona means that your criminal case—whether it was an arrest, charge, or conviction—is hidden from public view. If the judge approves your petition, the record is no longer accessible through public background checks, job screenings, or housing applications. To most of the outside world, it’s as if the offense never occurred. Even better, you are legally allowed to state that you were never arrested, charged, or convicted, with a few exceptions tied to specific sensitive job categories.

Sealing is much more protective than simply “setting aside” a conviction, which only marks the case sentence as dismissed but leaves the whole case visible. Sealed records remain available to law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, and certain government agencies, especially in situations where disclosure is required by law or connected to job responsibilities like working with vulnerable populations or financial institutions. But for everyday purposes, sealing a record is the strongest remedies available under Arizona law for clearing your name.

Who Qualifies to Have Their Record Sealed?

Eligibility for sealing depends on the type of case, how it ended, how much time has passed, and whether any disqualifying elements are involved. In general, sealing is available for criminal convictions, dismissed cases, diversion completions, and even arrests that never led to charges. But not every case qualifies, and certain serious or violent convictions are excluded under the statute.

You must have completed all terms of your sentence including probation, jail time, and any court-ordered counseling before your waiting period begins. Fines must be paid prior to applying but the waiting period starts even before all the fines are complete, which is a helpful new update in the law. The amount of time you have to wait depends on the level of the offense. For example, sealing a Class 1 misdemeanor requires a three-year waiting period after completing your sentence. For Class 4, 5, or 6 felonies, you must wait five years. More serious felonies, such as Class 2 or 3 felonies, require a 10-year waiting period after the sentence is complete.

Some cases are automatically excluded. Sealing is not available for convictions categorized as dangerous, serious, or violent under Arizona’s sentencing statutes. This includes offenses involving the use or threat of a deadly weapon, serious physical injury, victims under age 15, or crimes like murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery, and most sex-related offenses. If your case falls into one of these categories, a petition to seal will almost certainly be denied. But even if you’re unsure about the specifics, we can help you determine where you stand and whether there are still legal options available.

What Makes a Strong Sealing Petition?

Although Arizona law now allows record sealing, approval is not automatic. The decision ultimately rests with a judge, who has wide discretion to grant or deny a request. This is where a well-prepared legal strategy becomes essential.

When preparing a petition, we focus not only on meeting the technical requirements but also on presenting a full picture of our client’s rehabilitation and circumstances. Judges are required to consider factors like your criminal history, the seriousness of the offense, the length of time since the sentence was completed, and whether granting the petition is in both your best interest and the public’s safety. If a victim was involved in the original case, they have the right to be notified and provide input. In some cases, the prosecutor may even request a hearing, though the law does not give them veto power.

We help clients anticipate these factors and prepare a compelling case. That includes gathering records, personal statements, evidence of rehabilitation, and a clear timeline of events. If a previous sealing request was denied, we advise waiting the required three years before reapplying and we make sure the next petition is stronger than the last.

What Do You Need to Start the Process?

To apply for record sealing, you’ll need to provide enough information for the court to identify your case and verify eligibility. This includes the name of the court where your case was handled, the city where the arrest occurred, the law enforcement agency involved, and the approximate date of the offense. If you don’t have those details, you can obtain a fingerprint-based criminal history report through the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Once we have that information, we draft the petition and begin the filing process. After submission, the judge must wait at least 60 days to issue a decision. However, most cases take several months due to the time needed for background verification, review by the Department of Public Safety, and other administrative steps. In some situations, we can speed up the process by including the prosecutor’s non-objection in the petition but that depends on the circumstances of the case and whether the prosecutor is willing to agree.

Even after the court grants the petition, there may be a delay of a couple of weeks before the record is fully sealed in government systems. That’s because courts must first clear any remaining financial obligations and submit updates to DPS.

Common Questions About Sealing (And What It Doesn’t Do)

While sealing offers powerful protection, it’s important to understand its limitations. For one, sealing does not erase the offense for all purposes. Prosecutors, judges, police officers, and certain state agencies will still be able to view the sealed record when performing their official duties. The sealing order also doesn’t remove the record from the internet, including third-party websites that may have saved it prior to the seal. It also does not remove the offense from your driving record or insurance history if the case was related to traffic violations.

That said, the day-to-day benefits of sealing are still life-changing for most people. For jobs, promotions, housing, school, and financial aid, you generally no longer have to disclose the offense. Most importantly, you regain control over how your past affects your future. And while some industries like education, healthcare, finance, or government may still require disclosure under certain laws, sealing still provides substantial legal and reputational protection.

How We Can Help You Move Forward

Sealing a criminal record is more than just checking boxes. It’s about telling your story in a way that resonates with the court and shows the progress you’ve made since the offense. We understand how deeply this can impact someone’s life professionally, personally, and emotionally. That’s why we take the time to walk through each step, explain your rights clearly, and give you the best possible chance at a fresh start.

If you’re unsure whether your case qualifies or you’ve tried before and were denied, we’re here to help. There’s no pressure or judgment, just straightforward guidance about your options and what to expect. Sealing your record may be the key to the next chapter in your life.

Zachary Divelbiss, Lawyer
Future First Criminal Law