Clearing A Record
A.R.S. 13-911 — sealing after two to ten years, a set aside on discharge, and marijuana expungement
A person may petition to seal all case records of an offense after being convicted and completing every term of the sentence, including payment of all monetary obligations and restitution, or after a charge was dismissed or ended in a not guilty verdict, or after an arrest with no charges filed.
| The conviction | Time after discharge before sealing |
|---|---|
| The convictionClass 2 or 3 felony | Time after discharge before sealingTen years |
| The convictionClass 4, 5 or 6 felony | Time after discharge before sealingFive years |
| The convictionClass 1 misdemeanor | Time after discharge before sealingThree years |
| The convictionClass 2 or 3 misdemeanor | Time after discharge before sealingTwo years |
| The convictionPetty offense | Time after discharge before sealingImmediately |
The court may not decide a petition until sixty calendar days after receiving it unless the prosecutor and victims who asked for notice do not object, and grants it if sealing is in the best interests of the petitioner and public safety. A sealed conviction may still be used as a prior conviction, to enhance a later sentence including for DUI, and to impeach in a later trial.
Separately, a person who completes probation or sentence and is discharged may apply to the sentencing court to have the judgment of guilt set aside, with no filing fee, and must be told of that right at sentencing. When a conviction is set aside, the right to possess a firearm is restored, except after a serious offense.
Marijuana records can be expunged. A person arrested, charged, convicted or sentenced for possessing two and one-half ounces or less of marijuana, cultivating not more than six plants at home, or marijuana paraphernalia, for conduct before the adult use law took effect, may petition to have the record expunged. The prosecutor has thirty days to respond.
Sources for this section (3)
- A.R.S. 13-911 — Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records
- A.R.S. 13-905 — Setting aside judgment of convicted person on discharge; certificate of second chance
- A.R.S. 36-2862 — Expungement; petition; appeal; dismissal of complaints
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Arizona attorney.