Sealing Records
Seal a Dismissed Criminal Case in Arizona
If your Arizona case was dismissed, you are eligible to seal all related records, including court records, police reports, and prosecutor files, under ARS 13-911. Sealing a dismissed case can offer long-term relief from background check issues and protect your privacy moving forward. Even dismissed cases will show up online and on background checks until you seal your dismissed case.
This process is especially valuable for those who were arrested but never charged, completed diversion, or had charges dismissed outright. Our team represents individuals throughout Arizona prepare and file petitions to seal dismissed cases accurately, completely, and with full attention to the court’s expectations so you can have your record successfully sealed. We are here to support your next steps with clarity and professionalism.
Who Qualifies to Seal a Dismissed Case?
Under ARS 13-911(A), any person “who was arrested for, charged with or convicted of a criminal offense and whose charges were subsequently dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict” may petition to seal their records. This applies even if your dismissal came after a diversion program.
You may qualify to seal your record if you were:
- Charged with a crime and the case was later dismissed
- Found not guilty at trial
- Arrested but never formally charged
What sealing actually does in Arizona
Sealing a record means the Arizona courts, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) will treat the record as confidential. The public cannot access the sealed record through government systems. However, records already obtained by private background check companies or published online may still be visible. This process does not force non-government websites or third-party databases to remove your information.
Dismissed case sealing, common scenarios
- Case dismissed before trial: eligible to seal under ARS 13-911; including court files or dismissal paperwork.
- Dismissed after completing diversion: eligible to seal as successful diversions still count as dismissals.
- Arrested but never charged: You are eligible to seal. Best to apply once the statute of limitations has passed or if you have a police report/letter showing no charges were filed.
- Found not guilty at trial: Eligible to seal under ARS 13-911 all documentation about the case.
Timelines, Court Decisions, and Hearings
While the court must wait at least 60 days after your petition is filed, the entire process often takes several months from start to finish. This delay is due in part to the steps involved behind the scenes:
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The Department of Public Safety (DPS) must compile and submit your official criminal history report to the judge.
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The judge may be delayed with trials, schedule a hearing, or notify the prosecutor to weigh in.
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If there are errors, missing information, or objections, the judge may delay a decision or deny the petition.
Once everything is submitted and the 60-day waiting period has passed, the judge can either grant, dismiss or deny the petition. In many cases, the court takes several weeks or months beyond that to finalize a decision—especially in larger counties or when DPS is delayed.
What happens after your sealing records is approved
Take the Next Step Toward Sealing Your Dismissed Case
If your case was dismissed, you deserve the chance to move on without that history showing up in background checks or court records. Sealing a dismissed case under ARS § 13-911 can help close that chapter—but the process isn’t automatic. Even small mistakes in the petition or missing documentation can lead to delays or a denial.
Working with a legal team that understands how to present dismissed cases clearly and thoroughly gives you the best chance of success. We know what Arizona judges expect and how to avoid the common issues that trip people up.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. Our team will review your situation, confirm your eligibility, and take you through the full process from start to finish—with no pressure and no judgment.
You need Sealing Records or Set Aside (see the specific page for eligibility).
Dismissed Case Sealing FAQs
Can I seal a dismissed misdemeanor or felony?
Yes. ARS 13-911 is focused on the outcome of the case rather than the level of offense. Whether your case involved a felony or a misdemeanor, if it was dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict, you may be eligible to petition for sealing.
Is there a waiting period after dismissal?
No. Unlike sealing a conviction, which has mandatory waiting periods, a dismissed case can be petitioned for sealing as soon as the case is officially closed and shows a qualifying outcome. However, delays may still occur based on court schedules or required documentation.
Does sealing restore civil or gun rights?
No. Sealing is different from the process of restoring your civil or firearm rights. If your rights were suspended due to a separate felony conviction, you’ll need to pursue a restoration under ARS 13-905 or 13-910. We provide support for those petitions as well.
What if my petition is denied?
If your request is denied, you can appeal the judge’s decision—though this typically requires legal argument and may take months. Alternatively, ARS 13-911 allows you to refile a new petition three years from the date of denial.
Do I file one petition for all cases?
No. Each case must be petitioned separately, even if they occurred in the same county or court. The court wants to evaluate each case on its own merits. We help streamline this by organizing all necessary documentation for each filing.Yes. If denied, you must wait three additional years before reapplying. This waiting period gives the court time to reassess whether circumstances have changed in your favor. This is the most important reason why you should hire a law firm to do this for you.
Will sealing remove my name from the internet?
No. Sealing only affects access to government-controlled records. If your name appears in old news articles, third-party background check sites, or public social media posts, additional action outside of the court process is needed. We can refer you to services for managing online visibility if needed.
If you have more than one case, you will have to pay for each one, as each application is only good for one case. Unfortunately, there is no application that removes your entire criminal and arrest record, as each case has to be independently applied for and reviewed by the judge. A good rule of thumb is that each different case number needs a separate application, even if there was only one incident.
The general rule of thumb is that your case will only be approved if it is eligible. Even if one of your cases is not eligible, it is recommended that you still apply for the eligible case, as the judge has the power to approve the eligible case. It is also possible to select multiple services, such as hiring one case for Sealing Records and one case for Set Aside.
No. It is very rare that the judge will schedule a court date to grant or deny an application. A court date is typically only scheduled if a victim in a case objects to the application. Even then, the lawyer will attend the court date so you do not have to. Yes, you can appear if you want.
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.