If you have an old conviction in Mesa, Gilbert, or anywhere else in the East Valley, you may be able to seal it. Arizona has recently made its record sealing laws more flexible, which means that more people than ever may be able to use them. Working with a record sealing attorney in Arizona could be the first step toward making sure that conviction stays in the past. Lerner and Rowe Law Group’s Mesa criminal defense attorneys are ready to review your case and walk you through what Arizona law allows.
This blog covers what Arizona’s record sealing law allows, who may qualify, and how Lerner and Rowe Law Group can help East Valley residents through the petition process.
What Does It Mean to Seal a Criminal Record in Arizona?
Certain convictions can be sealed under Arizona’s law, preventing most background checks from revealing them. As a result, a typical search by employers, landlords, and licensing boards will not reveal a conviction, and often, you’ll be exempt from disclosing it.
Existing legislation allows for the sealing of these record categories:
- Misdemeanors for which all sentence requirements have been met
- Non-prohibited felony offenses
- Charges that were dropped or led to a not guilty verdict
- Arrests that did not lead to charges
- Cases resolved through diversion or deferred prosecution programs
Certain convictions are not eligible for sealing, including:
- Serious violent offenses
- Offenses involving the use of a deadly weapon
- Dangerous crimes against children
- Certain sex offenses
To begin the record sealing process, an attorney will be able to help you determine your eligibility.
How a Record Sealing Attorney in Arizona Determines Your Eligibility
If you are interested in pursuing Arizona record sealing, a lawyer will review if:
- The offense is eligible under Arizona’s record sealing law
- You’ve fulfilled all terms of your sentence, including probation, fines, and any court-ordered programs
- Enough time has passed since your conviction or release, which varies depending on the offense (mandatory waiting period)
- Your overall criminal history affects eligibility or the strength of your petition
From that point, a lawyer can determine the most effective course of action and look for any possible issues early on. Knowing what offenses are excluded saves time and sets realistic expectations before the petition process. Drug convictions, lower-level assaults, and misdemeanors are usually the easiest to pursue.
If you’ve ever been charged with drug possession in Mesa or had a disorderly conduct conviction in Gilbert, those records may be strong candidates depending on your history.
What Sealing Your Record in Arizona Can Do For You
When you work with record sealing attorney Arizona residents rely on and have a successful outcome, it may help you:
- Pass background checks
- Qualify for rental housing
- Move forward without being legally required to disclose the conviction in most situations
- Regain control over your public image
That can make a real difference when applying for jobs, professional licenses, or housing anywhere from Tempe to the outer East Valley suburbs or when navigating the Maricopa County Superior Court system.
For some people, the impact goes even further. Certain felony convictions affect your right to vote, hold office, or possess a firearm. Restoring your civil rights after a felony in Arizona is sometimes possible alongside or following the sealing process.
The right record sealing attorney in Arizona will evaluate your history, identify which path makes sense for your case, and handle the petition process.
Working with a Record Sealing Attorney Arizona: The Petition Process
When your attorney confirms you qualify for record sealing in Arizona, you can expect the following during the petition process:
- Preparing the petition: Your lawyer collects the necessary paperwork and writes the formal petition.
- Filing: The petition is sent to the court where your case originated.
- Notification: As required by law, the prosecutor and victims are notified.
- Waiting period: The court cannot act on the petition for at least 30 days
- Hearing: A hearing may be set, and your lawyer will go with you if necessary.
- Court decision: A court decides if sealing is the best thing for the petitioner and for public safety.
Judges have some leeway in these situations, which is why it’s important to have a good lawyer present your case in the best way possible.
Ready to Clear Your Record? Ask Lerner and Rowe Law Group for Help
If you’re in Mesa, Gilbert, or anywhere in the East Valley, Lerner and Rowe Law Group can evaluate whether you’re eligible for record sealing and get the process started. Our attorneys evaluate your full history, identify the strongest arguments in your favor, and handle the filing on your behalf. Our team is available 24/7 and offers payment plans.
Call (602) 667-7777, reach us via LiveChat, or fill out our secure online form to schedule your free, confidential consultation.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.