Can You Seal More Than One Arizona Case at a Time?

Can You Clear Your Entire History in One Go?

If you have more than one mistake in your past, you’re likely feeling the weight of those records every time you apply for a job or a new apartment. Many people we work with have a handful of old records, perhaps a misdemeanor from years ago and a more recent lapse in judgment, that keep appearing on background checks. Since Arizona passed the record sealing law under A.R.S. § 13-911, we are frequently asked if it is possible to seal all of these cases at the same time.

The answer is yes, you can seek to seal multiple cases, but the process is not a single, blanket request. Arizona law requires a focused approach for every individual case on your record. Because each arrest or conviction involves different courts, different timelines, and different legal requirements, we must address them individually within the eyes of the law. 

Your past should not dictate your future, and understanding how to manage multiple records is the first step toward reclaiming your reputation. If you’re ready to move forward with confidence, hire Future First Criminal Law today to help manage your Arizona record sealing process and take the next step toward a clean slate.

How Does Arizona Law Handle Multiple Case Sealing?

The record sealing statute does not place a limit on the total number of cases you can seal over your lifetime. However, it specifically requires that a separate petition be filed for every individual case number. If you were arrested three times in three different years, you have three distinct case records. Even if we want to clear them all at once, we can’t simply list all the case numbers on one document.

We must file a separate legal petition for every case you want sealed. Furthermore, these petitions must be filed in the specific court where the case was handled. If you have a felony in Superior Court and a misdemeanor in a Justice Court, we manage two separate filings in two different jurisdictions. Each case also maintains its own independent timeline, meaning one case might be ready to seal today while another requires more time.

In even more complex situations, some people are charged twice for the same crime. If the case was dismissed but later on the prosecutor files new charges, even though you were only arrested once, you will have to file two applications in order to get these two separate cases removed.

Are There Different Waiting Periods for Each Case?

One of the most complex parts of sealing multiple records is that each case might become eligible at a different time. Under Arizona law, you must wait a specific number of years after completing your sentence, including probation, before you can apply, and all fines, fees, and restitution must be paid before filing the petition. We calculate these dates carefully because a premature filing will result in a denial.

For a Class 2 or 3 felony, the wait is ten years. For Class 4, 5, or 6 felonies, the period is five years. Class 1 misdemeanors require a three-year wait, while lower-level misdemeanors require two years. If you have a “prior historical felony conviction,” the law may even require an additional five-year wait for subsequent offenses. We look at your entire history to determine the exact date each “clock” started and when it expires.

Can We File All Petitions Simultaneously?

If the waiting periods for all of your cases have already passed, we can file all of your petitions at the same time. While the courts will process them as separate legal matters, a coordinated filing is often the most efficient way to clean up your background. By filing simultaneously, we ensure the narrative of your rehabilitation is consistent across all courts and jurisdictions.

This approach allows us to gather all necessary documents, such as sentencing discharges and payment receipts, in one concentrated effort. While we submit them together, keep in mind that different judges and different courts work at different speeds. One court may grant your request in 60 days, while another may take 120 days or require a hearing. We monitor each case individually to ensure they move through the system as quickly as possible. It usually works out better because once you get one approval, you can give that approval to another judge, and sometimes that makes them grant the other applications.

What Happens If One Case Is Denied?

Having multiple cases means there are multiple opportunities for a prosecutor to object. If one of your cases involved a “dangerous” offense or an ineligible crime, such as certain sexual offenses or crimes involving high-level violence, that specific case cannot be sealed under current Arizona law. However, we want you to know that a denial for one case does not automatically disqualify your other cases.

Each petition is viewed on its own merits. If you have three eligible misdemeanors and one ineligible felony, we can still successfully seal the three misdemeanors. This can still significantly improve your background check results and your ability to secure employment. We analyze your specific charges to give you an honest assessment of which cases are likely to be approved and which may face hurdles.

Why Is the “Set Aside” Process Different?

You may have heard of a “Set Aside” under A.R.S. § 13-905. While record sealing hides the record from the public, a Set Aside adds a notation that your conviction was set aside and the case dismissed after you met all court requirements. For many clients with multiple cases, we find that pursuing both is the best strategy.

A Set Aside shows a commitment to rehabilitation and may help with restoring certain rights, such as firearm rights, depending on the offense and eligibility. Sealing then provides the privacy you need for daily life. We often coordinate these two processes so that your record is not just “dismissed” but also hidden from the prying eyes of the general public.

What Are the Steps to Seal Multiple Records?

Navigating the Arizona court system for one case is difficult. Doing it for several is a significant undertaking. We begin by retrieving your “long form” criminal history to identify every arrest and conviction on your record. This ensures we don’t miss any entries that could surprise us later. We then perform an eligibility audit, calculating the exact date each case becomes eligible based on when you finished probation or paid off your last cent of restitution.

Once we have the timeline, we draft custom petitions for each court. These documents highlight your rehabilitation and explain why sealing your record is in the interest of justice. After filing, the court notifies the prosecutor’s office, which has a chance to object. We then monitor the court’s review process, standing ready to argue your case in person if a judge schedules a hearing.

Does Sealing Multiple Cases Hide Everything?

It is important to be realistic about the protections record sealing provides. Once we successfully secure a court order to seal your records, they are generally not accessible to private employers, landlords, property managers, and most public background check systems. This covers most standard background checks you will encounter in your daily life, though some private databases may retain outdated information.

However, the records are not deleted or expunged in the sense that they vanish from existence. They are “sealed,” meaning law enforcement, the courts, and certain government agencies, like those handling professional licenses for nursing or law, can still see them. If you are arrested again, the prosecutor can still see your prior sealed history and attempt to use it against you. 

How Do We Handle Cases in Different Counties?

Many people have cases in different parts of the state, perhaps one in Maricopa County and another in Pinal County. Because each county has its own Superior Court system and localized Justice Courts, we must follow the local rules for each jurisdiction. We manage the logistics of statewide filings so you do not have to travel across Arizona to handle paperwork or track down court clerks.

We are familiar with the specific requirements of various Arizona courts. Whether your records are held in a small municipal court or a large metropolitan justice center, we ensure your petitions are formatted and filed according to that specific court’s preferences. This attention to detail reduces the risk of administrative delays.

Is It Worth the Effort to Seal More Than One Case?

The short answer is yes. If you only seal one case but leave three others visible, a background check will still flag you as having a criminal record. To truly get a “clean slate,” we need to address every eligible entry on your record. The impact of a fully sealed record is profound, often leading to higher earning potential and greater housing freedom.

Many high-paying jobs automatically disqualify anyone with a visible criminal record. By sealing every eligible case, you remove those barriers. Furthermore, you gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing you no longer have to worry about what someone will find if they search your name online. We are here to help you achieve that privacy.

How Do We Support You Through This Process?

The biggest hurdle in sealing multiple cases is the sheer volume of paperwork and the risk of technical errors. A single mistake, like listing the wrong date of arrest or forgetting a case number, can lead to an immediate dismissal of your petition. We take that burden off your shoulders by verifying every detail before it reaches a judge’s desk.

We ensure you don’t waste time or resources filing for a case that isn’t yet eligible. If a prosecutor argues against your sealing, we provide the legal evidence of your rehabilitation to counter their claims. Finally, we make sure every court, the Department of Public Safety, and the arresting agencies all receive the order to seal so your record is properly sealed from public access as intended.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Narrative

Sealing your criminal records in Arizona is one of the most powerful things you can do to change the trajectory of your life. While the process for multiple cases requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of the law, the reward is a life free from the stigma of past mistakes.

You do not have to navigate the complex web of multiple courts and waiting periods alone. We specialize in helping Arizonans clear their names and reclaim their futures. Whether you have one old conviction or a string of cases from years ago, we have the experience to help you cross the finish line.

Hire Future First Criminal Law today to start the process of sealing your Arizona records and protecting your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I seal a DUI if I also have a theft conviction?

Yes. DUI convictions may be eligible for sealing under Arizona law. As long as both offenses are eligible under the statute and you have met the waiting periods for both, we can petition to seal them both.

If I was arrested but never charged, does that count as a “case”?

Yes. Arrest records that did not lead to a conviction still show up on background checks and can be damaging. We can petition to seal these records to ensure your “arrest history” is just as clean as your “conviction history.”

What if my cases are from 20 or 30 years ago?

The law is retroactive. It doesn’t matter if your cases happened in the 1990s or last year; as long as the offense is eligible and you have finished your sentence, we can move forward with the petition.