Can I Get My AZ Criminal Conviction Out of Public View?

A criminal conviction can affect a person long after they have served their sentence. Because the conviction goes into their record, it can hinder their ability to find employment, cause them to fail background checks, and overall affect how they interact with society.

But there’s a new law that will be implemented in Arizona soon, which will allow people to seal their criminal conviction out of public view.

New Law on Sealing Criminal Convictions and Arrests            

A new law in Arizona that takes effect on January 1st of 2023 will allow people to file an application to get their criminal conviction and arrest records sealed and inaccessible to public viewing.

This is great news for those with criminal records as the new law basically gives them a clean slate, nourishing new opportunities that weren’t accessible to them because of their prior convictions.

Limitations of the New Law

But of course, the new law is not without its limitations. It is not applicable to all criminal convictions and there are certain time periods before a person can apply to get their conviction sealed.

Does Not Apply to All Criminal Convictions

The new law does not apply to all classes of criminal convictions. Only those with prior convictions of general and non-dangerous crimes can apply for the relief. Certain types of serious convictions for dangerous offenses, like crimes against children, are not eligible.

Time Limits

There are also time periods provided that limit when a person is allowed to apply to get their conviction sealed. These time constraints depend on the classification of the crime they were convicted for. A person cannot ask for their conviction to be sealed unless it has been:

• 10 years for a Class 2 or 3 felony
• 5 years for a Class 4, 5, or 6 felony
• 3 years for a Class 1 misdemeanor
• 2 years for a Class 2 or 3 misdemeanor

The time period starts once a person completes their sentence or probation.

How the New Law Benefits Arizona Residents

The new law is a great step that Arizona is taking to give people who have old convictions a new chance at life. With their criminal records sealed and away from the public eye, they are able to start a clean slate and find employment or access other opportunities.