Can You Seal Your Criminal Record in Arizona? A Guide to A.R.S. 13-911

A past arrest or conviction can follow you long after your case is over. It can show up when you apply for a job, rent an apartment, or go back to school. Since January 1, 2023, Arizona has allowed many people to seal their criminal records under A.R.S. § 13-911.



If you live in Phoenix, Chandler, or anywhere in Maricopa County, here is what you need to know about who qualifies, how long you have to wait, and what sealing can and can't do.

What Does Sealing a Record Mean in Arizona?

When a record is sealed, it is removed from public view. In most situations, you can legally say you were never arrested, charged, or convicted of the sealed offense. Most private employers and landlords will no longer see it on a standard background check.

Sealing is different from Arizona's other record relief options:

• Set aside (A.R.S. § 13-905): The court marks your conviction as "set aside," but the record stays public. Employers can still see it.
• Sealing (A.R.S. § 13-911): The record is hidden from most public access. This is a much stronger form of relief.
• Marijuana expungement (Prop 207): Certain marijuana offenses can be fully expunged under Arizona's 2020 voter-approved law.

Arizona does not offer general expungement for most other crimes, so for many people sealing is the strongest option available.

Who Can Petition to Seal a Record?

You may be eligible to petition if:

• You completed every part of your sentence, including probation, fines, and restitution
• Your charges were dismissed
• You were found not guilty
• You were arrested but never charged

If your case was dismissed, you were found not guilty, or you were never charged, you can file right away. There is no waiting period and no filing fee.

How Long Do You Have to Wait?

For convictions, the waiting period starts after you complete all the terms of your sentence:

• Petty offenses: no waiting period
• Class 2 or 3 misdemeanors: 2 years
• Class 1 misdemeanors: 3 years
• Class 4, 5, or 6 felonies: 5 years
• Class 2 or 3 felonies: 10 years

If you have a later felony conviction, the waiting period is generally extended by five more years.

Many first-time DUI convictions in Arizona are class 1 misdemeanors, so they can often be sealed 3 years after the sentence is complete. Learn more about DUI defense in Chandler.

Which Offenses Can't Be Sealed?

Arizona excludes some of the most serious offenses from sealing, including:

• Dangerous offenses, including those involving a deadly weapon or serious physical injury
• Serious, violent, or aggravated felonies
• Dangerous crimes against children
• Most sex offenses and sex trafficking offenses

If you are not sure whether your conviction qualifies, an attorney can review your record and the exact statute you were convicted under.

What Sealing Doesn't Hide

Sealing is powerful, but it has limits. Sealed records may still come up in certain situations, including:

• Applying for a fingerprint clearance card
• Jobs in law enforcement or the courts
• Positions working with children, the elderly, or vulnerable adults
• Driving jobs, if the sealed offense was driving-related
• Jobs handling money, if the offense involved financial crimes

Private background-check companies may also have kept older copies of your record. An attorney can help you understand what to expect.

How the Sealing Process Works

1. Review your record. Confirm the offense class, your sentence completion date, and any other convictions.
2. File a petition. You file with the court where your case was handled. A fee may apply, but it can be waived if you can't afford it.
3. Prosecutor and victim notice. The prosecutor and any victim may respond to your petition.
4. Court decision. The judge decides whether sealing is in your best interest and consistent with public safety. A hearing is held only if someone requests one.

If your petition is denied, you generally must wait three years before filing again. That is why it pays to get it right the first time. A strong petition shows who you are today: your work history, family responsibilities, education, and time without new offenses.

A Former Prosecutor on Your Side

Attorney Manny A. Jacobo spent years as a prosecutor before becoming a defense attorney. He knows what prosecutors look for when they review a sealing petition and how to present your case in the best light. With 19 years of experience, he helps clients across Phoenix and Chandler put their past behind them. Learn more about our record sealing and set aside services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a DUI be sealed in Arizona?
Often, yes. Many misdemeanor DUI convictions can be sealed 3 years after the sentence is complete. However, a sealed DUI may still matter for jobs that involve driving.

Is sealing the same as expungement in Arizona?
No. Sealing hides your record from most public access, while expungement is available mainly for certain marijuana offenses under Prop 207. For most people, sealing is the strongest option.

What if my charges were dismissed?
You can petition to seal the record right away, with no waiting period and no fee.

Can I seal a felony in Arizona?
Yes, many class 2 through 6 felonies can be sealed after a 5- or 10-year waiting period. Dangerous, violent, and certain other serious felonies are excluded.

What happens if the judge denies my petition?
You generally must wait three years before filing again, so it's important to submit a strong petition from the start.

Ready for a Fresh Start? Call Jacobo Law Firm

A sealed record can open doors to new jobs, housing, and peace of mind. Jacobo Law Firm offers free, confidential consultations, flat fees, and payment plans to clients throughout Phoenix, Chandler, and Maricopa County. Se habla español.

Call 480-800-0919, available 24/7, or contact us online to find out if you qualify.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Eligibility for record sealing depends on the facts of each case and current Arizona law. Please contact an attorney about your situation.