The Quick Facts
A felony conviction in Arizona suspends your rights to vote, hold office, serve on a jury, and possess firearms. It can also block you from professional licenses and certain government assistance. While some rights may return automatically for first-time offenders, set-asides and firearm rights restoration often require a court petition. We take these cases seriously and work to clear your path forward. If you’re ready to reclaim your life, hire us to start the restoration process today. You can begin by reviewing the application to set aside a conviction.
A felony conviction in Arizona is a heavy burden that stays with you long after you have finished your sentence. While the immediate focus during a trial is usually on avoiding jail time or minimizing fines, the “collateral consequences” often prove to be the most lasting punishment. These are the civil and legal restrictions that strip away your status as a full participant in society. We believe that everyone deserves a future that isn’t dictated by their past. We focus on protecting your rights and helping you navigate the complex laws that govern what you can and cannot do after a conviction.
To reclaim your voice and your rights, hire Future First Criminal Law today.
What civil rights are lost after a felony conviction?
In Arizona, the law is very specific about which rights are stripped away the moment a judgment of guilt is entered. Under Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 13-904, a felony conviction suspends your right to vote, your right to hold public office, and your right to serve as a juror. For many people, losing the right to vote feels like losing their voice in the community. You are no longer eligible to participate in elections at any level, local, state, or federal. Additionally, being disqualified from jury service means you cannot participate in the very system that judged you. These rights are not always lost forever, but they do not always return on their own. We work with clients to ensure these rights are formally restored so they can return to being active, engaged citizens.
How does a felony impact your right to own a gun?
Arizona is known for its strong support of the Second Amendment, but those protections do not extend to those with felony records. Once convicted, you become a “prohibited possessor.” This means it is a crime for you to own, carry, or even be in the same household as a firearm or ammunition. This restriction is incredibly broad; even having a hunting rifle in a shared gun safe can lead to new felony charges. We often see people get into deeper legal trouble because they didn’t realize that “possession” includes constructive possession, simply being in a place where a gun is accessible to you. Restoring these rights is a multi-step process. Many of our clients begin this journey by seeking a set-aside of a conviction, which may restore rights, unless the offense was classified as dangerous or serious.
Can a felony conviction prevent you from getting a job?
While Arizona has made strides with “Ban the Box” policies for government jobs, private employers still have a lot of leeway. A felony record shows up on almost every standard background check, creating an immediate barrier to employment. Beyond general labor, many specialized careers become off-limits. Professional licensing boards, such as those for nursing, real estate, and pharmacy, frequently deny applicants with felony convictions. Even if the crime was years ago, a board may view it as a sign of poor character. We assist clients in presenting a cleaner record to these boards by filing a Motion to set aside conviction. While a set-aside doesn’t erase the record, it shows that the court has officially vacated the judgment of guilt, and dismissed the conviction under A.R.S. § 13-905, which carries significant weight with potential employers.
Does a felony record affect where you can live?
Finding stable housing is one of the biggest hurdles after a conviction. Most property management companies run criminal background checks as a standard part of the application process. Because there is no law in Arizona that prevents a landlord from discriminating against someone with a criminal record, you may find yourself facing rejection after rejection. This applies to both private rentals and government-subsidized housing. For example, federal regulations allow public housing authorities to ban individuals with certain types of felony convictions, particularly those involving drugs or violence. We understand how frustrating it is to have the money for rent but no one willing to lease to you. By working to set aside your conviction, we help you provide proof of rehabilitation to skeptical landlords.
Are there impacts on family and parental rights?
The reach of a felony conviction often extends into the most personal parts of your life, including your relationship with your children. In family court, a felony conviction can be used as evidence that a parent is “unfit.” If the conviction involved domestic violence, substance abuse, or any type of endangerment, the court may restrict your custody or visitation rights. Furthermore, a felony record is a major roadblock if you wish to adopt or become a foster parent. The state of Arizona has strict “character and fitness” requirements for anyone looking to care for children. We see the emotional toll these restrictions take on families, and we provide the advocacy needed to show the court that you have moved past your mistakes.
What government benefits are restricted for felons?
A felony can also limit your access to the social safety net when you need it most. For certain drug-related felonies, the state may impose restrictions on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. Additionally, if you were convicted of a drug-related felony while you were receiving federal student loans or grants, you could lose your eligibility for financial aid. This makes it significantly harder for people to go back to school and improve their career prospects. We believe that education is one of the best ways to move forward, and we work to resolve the legal issues that stand in the way of your financial aid eligibility.
Can you join the military with a felony?
Generally, a felony conviction makes you ineligible to enlist in any branch of the U.S. Military. While the military does allow for “moral waivers” in very rare circumstances, these are almost never granted for serious offenses or during times when recruitment goals are easily met. Even if you have your record set aside, the military’s background investigators will still see the original conviction. However, having a court order that shows your case was set-aside can sometimes make a waiver more likely. We provide the legal documentation you need to make the strongest possible case for enlistment.
Is it possible to restore your rights in Arizona?
Arizona law does provide a pathway to reclaim your life. For first-time offenders with only one felony conviction, some rights like voting and jury service are restored automatically once the sentence is fully completed and all restitution is paid. However, this is not the case for everyone. If you have multiple convictions, or if you want to restore your gun rights, you may need to file a formal application with the court. This is a discretionary process, meaning the judge decides based on your behavior since the conviction. We focus on building a comprehensive package for the court that demonstrates your rehabilitation and your value to the community.
Why is professional advocacy important for rights restoration?
The restoration process is full of technical requirements and strict deadlines. A simple mistake on a petition can lead to an immediate denial, and in some cases, you may have to wait years before you can apply again. We handle the entire process from start to finish. We don’t just fill out forms; we analyze your specific history to determine the best legal strategy. We offer transparent, flat-fee pricing so you know exactly what to expect. We take the burden of the legal system off your shoulders so you can focus on your life and your family.
Conclusion
A felony conviction changes your life, but it shouldn’t end your opportunities. The restrictions on your civil rights, your ability to own a firearm, and your career prospects are significant, but they are not always permanent. By taking the right legal steps, you can change how the state and potential employers see you. We are here to provide the clear, professional advocacy you need to move beyond your past and protect your future. Don’t wait for your rights to return on their own, take action to ensure they do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Arizona offer expungement for felonies?
Arizona does not have a traditional expungement law that completely “erases” a criminal record from public view. Instead, the state uses a “Set-Aside” process under A.R.S. § 13-905. When a conviction is set aside, the judgment of guilt is vacated, and the conviction is set aside. While the record still exists, it shows that you have successfully completed your sentence and that the court has cleared the conviction.
Do I have to pay all my fines before my rights are restored?
Yes, paying all fines and victim restitution is a mandatory requirement for rights restoration and set-asides in Arizona. While some recent changes to the law allow for the restoration of certain civil rights even if some court fees are still owed, restitution to victims must always be paid in full before a judge will grant your petition.
Can I vote if my felony was from another state?
If you have a felony conviction from another state but now live in Arizona, you generally must have your rights restored in the state where the conviction occurred. Arizona courts have very limited jurisdiction to restore rights for out-of-state convictions. We can help you determine the specific requirements for the state where your conviction took place.
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I help people remove Arizona criminal records because a 5-minute mistake should not follow you for life
