Can I Get My Life Back? Your Guide to the Restoration of Civil Rights Application in Arizona

A felony conviction in Arizona doesn’t just mean serving time or paying fines; it carries a weight that lasts long after you’ve left the courtroom. It strips away the very things that make you a participating member of society. You lose your voice at the ballot box, your ability to protect your family, and your right to serve your community on a jury.

But a past mistake doesn’t have to define your future. Arizona law provides a clear, but complex, path to regaining what was lost. Filing a restoration of civil rights application is the first step toward a fresh start. We believe in second chances and helping our clients navigate the legal hurdles to reclaim their status as full citizens.

The Quick Guide to Restoring Your Rights

If you’re looking for a fast way to reclaim your status as a citizen, here are the essential takeaways. Most first-time offenders in Arizona receive automatic restoration of their right to vote and serve on a jury once they complete their sentence and pay all victim restitution and fines under A.R.S. § 13-907. Navigating these timelines and the specific paperwork required for different counties can be overwhelming. We are here to handle the legal heavy lifting for you so you can focus on your future. Hire Future First Criminal Law today to start your application process.

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

When you are convicted of a felony in Arizona, several fundamental civil rights are immediately suspended under A.R.S. § 13-904. These aren’t just symbolic; they affect your daily life and your ability to engage with your community. For more details on the specific legal impacts, see our breakdown of felony convictions and civil rights restoration.

The rights lost include the right to vote, which means you cannot participate in local, state, or federal elections. You also lose the right to hold public office, barring you from positions of public trust. Furthermore, you cannot participate in the judicial process as a juror. Perhaps most significantly, you lose your Second Amendment rights. Possessing a gun as a “prohibited possessor” can lead to entirely new felony charges, making it vital to understand your status before ever handling a firearm again.

Beyond these legal rights, a felony record can create “invisible” barriers to professional licensing, housing, and employment. Restoring your rights is the primary way to signal to the world, and the law, that you have been rehabilitated and are ready to contribute fully to society once more.

Is the restoration of civil rights automatic in Arizona?

Whether your rights come back automatically depends entirely on your specific criminal history. Many people ask, can a convicted felon get their rights restored? The answer is yes, but the method varies based on whether this was your first offense.

Under A.R.S. § 13-907, if you have only one felony conviction on your record, your civil rights such as voting and jury service are automatically restored once you complete probation or receive an absolute discharge from prison and pay all victim restitution. You must file a separate application under A.R.S. § 13-910 to restore gun rights aas sometimes restoration is supposed to be automatic but you have no official way of knowing until you apply.

If you have two or more felony convictions, nothing is automatic. You must file a restoration of civil rights application for each case number to regain your rights. This requires a proactive approach and a clear understanding of your discharge dates.

How do I know if I am eligible to apply for restoration?

Eligibility is built on completion and time. You cannot ask the court for your rights back if you are still under the supervision of the justice system. To be eligible, you must have completed all terms of your sentence, including prison time, parole, and probation. You must also have paid all victim restitution in full. While some courts may consider restoring rights if you still owe general court fines, victim restitution is a non-negotiable requirement that judges take very seriously.

What is a “Set Aside” and how is it different from restoration?

Many people confuse “setting aside” a conviction with “restoring rights.” While they often go hand-in-hand, they serve different legal purposes. To understand the terminology better, you can read our post about the meaning of setting aside something in a legal context. 

A “Set Aside” under A.R.S. § 13-905 allows the court to vacate the judgment of guilt and dismiss the original charges once the sentence has been fulfilled. On a background check, the conviction will still appear but be noted as conviction “Set Aside.” For a deeper look at how this helps with your reputation and future opportunities, see our post on case set aside consequences. 

Set Asides can include restoration of firearm rights, except for people with serious or dangerous offenses, as defined by A.R.S. § 13-704 and 13-706.

If granted, a Certificate of Second Chance is also issued for certain offenses after 2 or 5 years, depending on the felony class, which provides some protection in employment and housing contexts.

What is the step-by-step process for the application?

The process requires attention to detail because a single mistake or missing document can result in denial. You must gather documentation such as case numbers, sentencing dates, and, if applicable, a Certificate of Absolute Discharge from the Arizona Department of Corrections.

You then complete the correct forms for the county where the conviction occurred. The application is filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court, who notifies the County Attorney or Attorney General. They may object. A judge then reviews your record and may decide on the paperwork alone or schedule a hearing.

Why should I hire an attorney for this process?

While you can technically fill out the paperwork yourself, the stakes are incredibly high. If you are denied, you may be barred from applying again for several years. We provide several advantages by ensuring your eligibility is verified before you waste time and energy. We don’t just fill out forms; we build a compelling narrative of your rehabilitation, highlighting your contributions to the community and your clean record since the offense.

If the prosecutor objects to your restoration, we are prepared to argue your case directly in front of a judge. We also possess specific experience with firearm rights restoration, which is the most difficult part of the process. We know exactly what evidence judges look for before they feel comfortable restoring someone’s right to possess a weapon. We work to present you in the best possible light to maximize your chances of success.

Can my application be denied?

Yes. The judge has discretion under A.R.S. § 13-908. Common reasons for denial include unpaid victim restitution, new charges, or a lack of evidence showing rehabilitation.

For firearm rights, the court may not restore rights if the conviction was for a dangerous offense or if it’s been less than 10 years since discharge for a serious offense, per A.R.S. § 13-910(A).

Is there a difference between State and Federal convictions?

Yes. Arizona courts cannot set aside federal convictions. However, a state court can restore civil rights, including voting and jury service, for a federal conviction if you live in Arizona (A.R.S. § 13-908(C)-(D)).

Firearm rights restoration for federal convictions is limited, and even if Arizona grants it, it may not be recognized federally. You should consult a federal attorney before possessing a firearm.

Restore Your Future Today 

You’ve paid your debt to society. You’ve completed the classes, served the time, and moved forward with your life. Don’t let a paper trail keep you from being a full citizen with a voice and the ability to protect your home. We understand how important these rights are to your identity and your future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does the restoration process take? 

Typically, once the application is filed, it takes between 90 and 120 days for the court to issue a ruling. This allows time for the prosecutor to review the case and for the judge to examine your records. Some judges may move faster and slower than others, but we keep you updated throughout the entire waiting period.

Can I restore my gun rights if I was convicted of a “dangerous” offense? 

In Arizona, if your conviction was classified as a “dangerous offense,” meaning it involved the use of a deadly weapon or the intentional infliction of serious injury, you are generally ineligible to ever have your firearm rights restored. However, you may still be eligible to restore other civil rights like voting and jury service.

Do I have to go to court for a hearing? 

In many cases, the judge will rule on the motion without requiring you to appear. However, if the prosecutor objects to your application or if the judge has specific questions about your rehabilitation, a hearing may be scheduled. If a hearing is called, we represent you and speak on your behalf to the judge.

What if I was convicted in another state but now live in Arizona? 

You must apply for restoration in the state where the conviction occurred. Arizona courts do not have the jurisdiction to restore rights for out-of-state convictions.

Does restoring my rights clear my criminal record? 

No. Restoring your civil rights and even “setting aside” a conviction does not “erase” or “expunge” your record in the way other states do. The conviction will still appear on background checks, but it will be accompanied by an official court order showing your rights have been restored and the judgment has been set aside, which is a powerful tool for rebuilding your life.