Is it Possible to Get Your Rights Restored? Your Guide to Reclaiming Your Life in Arizona

Key Takeaways: The Quick Facts on Restoring Your Rights

We understand that your time is valuable. If you are looking for the bottom line, here is what you need to know about the restoration process in Arizona.

First-time felony offenders may have certain civil rights, such as voting, jury service, and holding public office, automatically restored once they complete their sentence and receive an absolute discharge, as long as the offense was not classified as a “serious offense.” Firearm rights are never automatically restored and always require a separate court request.

If you have multiple felony convictions, nothing happens automatically; you must petition the court to regain any civil rights. In almost every case, all victim restitution must be paid in full before a judge may consider restoration. There are also statutory waiting periods, typically two years for most non-serious, non-dangerous felonies and ten years for serious offenses, before firearm rights may even be requested. We focus on handling these details so you can focus on your future.

Ready to reclaim your civil liberties without the stress of complex paperwork? Hire Future First Criminal Law today.

Your Path Forward: Reclaiming Your Place in the Community

For many Arizonans, a felony conviction feels like a permanent mark that excludes them from the most basic aspects of citizenship. It can stop you from casting a vote, serving your community on a jury, and lawfully possessing a firearm. However, Arizona law provides a pathway for many people to regain these rights once they have fulfilled their obligations to the court.

Understanding the nuances of Arizona law is the first step toward moving forward. Whether you’re looking to participate in the next election or want closure from your past, the restoration process can be an important milestone. We take pride in helping our clients navigate these rules so they can stop living in the past.

What rights do you lose after a felony conviction in Arizona?

When the court enters a judgment of guilt for a felony, several civil liberties are suspended. These include the right to vote in local, state, and federal elections; the right to serve on a jury; and the right to hold public office.

Most notably, both state and federal law prohibit a convicted felon from possessing or carrying a firearm. Even if Arizona later restores firearm rights under state law, federal law may still impose restrictions unless civil rights are fully restored. These losses often persist long after a sentence is completed, which is why formal restoration matters.

Is restoration of rights automatic in Arizona?

Arizona law treats first-time offenders differently than those with multiple felony convictions. If you have only one felony conviction, and it was not a serious offense, your civil rights other than firearm rights are typically restored automatically after you complete your sentence and receive an absolute discharge. At that point, you may re-register to vote without filing additional paperwork.

If you have two or more felony convictions, restoration is never automatic. You must file a formal petition with the Superior Court in the county where you were sentenced. Even for first-time offenders, firearm rights are not automatically restored and require a separate request and eligibility analysis.

How do you restore your right to vote and serve on a jury?

The core civil rights, voting, jury service, and holding public office, may be restored once you are fully discharged from all sentences, including probation or parole. For individuals with multiple convictions, this requires a petition demonstrating compliance with the law and successful reintegration.

If your conviction was federal, Arizona courts may restore state-level civil rights, such as voting in Arizona elections and jury service. However, this does not automatically restore rights under federal law, and firearm rights are analyzed separately.

Can you get your gun rights back in Arizona?

Firearm rights are restored only through a specific court request and only if the conviction is legally eligible. Judges cannot restore firearm rights where statutes prohibit restoration.

For most non-serious, non-dangerous felonies, you must wait two years after absolute discharge before applying. For “serious offenses,” the waiting period is ten years. If the conviction was classified as a dangerous offense, firearm rights are generally permanently prohibited under Arizona law. Each case requires careful review of the sentencing classification.

What is the difference between a “Set Aside” and rights restoration?

Rights restoration concerns civil liberties of voting, jury service, public office, and, when eligible, firearm possession. It does not erase the conviction.

A Set Aside, under A.R.S. § 13-905, vacates the judgment of guilt and dismisses the charges, but the conviction still exists on your record and still counts as a prior offense for sentencing and licensing purposes. A Set Aside does not automatically restore firearm rights in all felony cases; firearm restoration must still be specifically granted and legally permitted.

We often pursue both processes together because, combined, they provide the strongest benefit for employment and housing opportunities.

How does the application process work?

The process begins with obtaining proof of absolute discharge, which confirms all sentence requirements are complete. Without this document, a petition will not succeed.

After confirming restitution is fully paid, a petition is filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court. The prosecutor may respond or object. Some cases are decided on the written filings alone; others may require a hearing, though judges are not required to hold one.

Why is paying restitution so important?

Arizona law gives restitution the highest priority. If any victim restitution remains unpaid, the court is statutorily barred from restoring rights. While judges may have discretion regarding unpaid fines or fees that are not restitution, full financial compliance significantly improves the likelihood of approval.

How do we approach your case?

We treat every client with professionalism and respect. We review your full criminal history, identify which rights are eligible for restoration, and determine the correct timing. Our goal is to present your rehabilitation clearly and accurately so the court has a complete picture of who you are today.

Can out-of-state convictions be restored in Arizona?

Arizona courts generally cannot restore rights lost due to convictions from another state. Relief must usually be sought in the state where the conviction occurred.

In limited situations, Arizona may restore state voting rights for residents, but Arizona courts can’t restore federal firearm rights tied to out-of-state or federal convictions.

What happens if your petition is denied?

A denial is not permanent. Judges often cite timing, unpaid obligations, or the need for more time since discharge. We help evaluate the reason for denial and determine when refiling is appropriate, focusing on submitting the strongest possible application the first time.

Take the first step toward your second chance

Restoring your civil rights is a meaningful step toward rebuilding your life and rejoining your community. Arizona law provides a clear path for many individuals who have completed their sentences and demonstrated rehabilitation.

You’ve already done the hard work. Let us handle the legal process of restoring what was lost.

Hire Future First Criminal Law today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I restore my rights if I was convicted of a federal crime?

A: Yes. Arizona courts may restore state civil rights such as voting and jury service for Arizona residents. However, firearm rights under federal law are not automatically restored and may remain restricted.

Q: What if the prosecutor objects to my petition?

A: Prosecutors may object, but judges ultimately decide. We respond by highlighting rehabilitation, compliance, and eligibility.

Q: Does restoring my rights mean I no longer have to disclose my felony on job applications?

A: Not necessarily. Rights restoration does not remove the conviction. A Set Aside may improve employment prospects, but some jobs and licenses still require disclosure by law.

Q: Can I get my firearm rights back if I was convicted of a violent crime?

A: It depends on the statutory classification. Serious offenses require a ten-year wait; dangerous offenses are generally permanently prohibitive.

Q: How much does the process cost?

A: Costs vary based on the number of convictions and jurisdictions involved. Fees are discussed clearly during the initial consultation.