Expungement is the most complete form of record clearing in Arizona. It removes a qualifying marijuana-related criminal charge from public records, which means it won’t appear on background checks. Once expunged, you do not have to disclose the charge to employers, landlords, or licensing agencies. If you qualify, expungement can open doors to better jobs, housing opportunities, and financial stability. Arizona law only allows expungement for certain marijuana offenses. This means you cannot expunge other types of criminal records, but if you have a marijuana charge, you may qualify for complete record clearing.
Who Can See an Expunged Record?
An expunged record is not accessible to the public. This means:
- Employers will not see it on background checks
- Landlords cannot use it to deny housing
- Licensing boards will not factor it into their decisions
Expunging a record or charge makes it so you can legally say the crime did not occur, and you do not need to disclose the record on applications.
How Expungement Helps You Move Forward
A criminal record can impact your life in many ways. Even if a charge is years old, it may still show up on background checks. Expungement removes these barriers, allowing you to:
- Apply for jobs without worrying about background checks
- Get approval for housing
- Pursue education and licensing without legal roadblocks
- Feel peace of mind knowing your record is clear
Click here for more stories and information about how clearing a record can improve your life.
How Rasa can Help With the Arizona Expungement Process
Expungement can fully remove a qualifying marijuana charge from your criminal record, but it does require doing things the right way. The good news is that Arizona law requires courts to approve expungement requests unless there is clear evidence that a person is not eligible. Here’s how Rasa handles the Arizona expungement process:
Step 1: Rasa Files a Petition
First, a petition must be filed in the court where the charge was originally handled. This petition includes:
- Details about your past charge
- Proof that the offense qualifies for expungement under Arizona law
- Confirmation of the completion of all fines, fees, and sentences
Courts must approve an expungement request if the prosecution doesn’t give the court a good reason the record should not be expunged.
Step 2: Possible Hearings
In rare cases, a prosecutor or another person can object to the expungement request. If this happens, the court can schedule a hearing to decide if the charge should be removed. You can hire Rasa to represent you at that hearing, where we will build a case showing that:
- Your charge meets the eligibility requirements
- Expungement is in the public’s best interest
- You have met all necessary legal obligations
The court can approve the expungement without a hearing, if no objections are raised.
Step 3: Expungement Order Issued
An official expungement order is issued if the court grants the petition. This means:
- The expunged charge is removed from public records including your FBI record
- Employers, landlords, and licensing agencies will no longer see it on background checks
- You do not have to disclose the charge on job, housing, or licensing applications
The record will be treated as if it never existed, giving you a fresh start.
Get Professional Help with Your Expungement
While the Arizona expungement process is definite, legal paperwork and court procedures can be overwhelming. Mistakes in the petition could lead to delays or denials. Rasa makes it easy with cheap, full-service legal support to handle your expungement from start to finish. We also offer fast and efficient filing to help clear your record as quickly as possible. Check your eligibility today and let Rasa take care of the rest.
Who Qualifies for Expungement in Arizona?
Arizona law allows expungement for specific marijuana-related offenses, which means most charges are not eligible for expungement. If your charge meets the legal requirements, you may be able to have it completely removed from public records.
Marijuana Offenses That Qualify for Expungement
You may be eligible for expungement if any of the following charges appear on your record:
- Possessing, consuming, or transporting 2.5 ounces or less of marijuana, including no more than 12.5 grams of marijuana concentrate
- Possessing, transporting, cultivating, or processing six or fewer marijuana plants at a private residence
- Possession, transport, or use of marijuana-related drug paraphernalia
If your charge falls into one of these categories, the law requires the court to grant expungement unless there is clear evidence that you do not qualify.
Other Requirements for Expungement
To qualify:
- You must have fully completed all restitution and sentences related to the charge.
- You must have filed the expungement request in the court where the original charge was handled
- Your record can include any number of charges, so long as the marijuana charges are eligible for expungement.
Who Does NOT Qualify for Expungement?
You may not qualify for expungement if:
- Your marijuana charge exceeds the legal limits (more than 2.5 ounces of possession or more than six plants)
- Your case involved intent to sell or distribute marijuana
- You have not yet completed all court-ordered restitution or sentencing requirements
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you can use our eligibility tool to check. If your record is not eligible, there are several other remedies available for Arizona Records
Move Forward with the Expungement Process
Now that marijuana is legal in Arizona, there’s no reason to let an old charge stand in your way. Expungement gives you the legal right to erase past marijuana-related offenses, allowing you to move forward with confidence.
If your charge qualifies, clearing your record can:
- Improve job opportunities – No more worrying about background checks
- Increase housing approval chances – Landlords won’t see the charge on rental applications
- Give you peace of mind – Live your life without the weight of a past conviction
Although Arizona law allows expungement, the process is not automatic. The sooner you start, the sooner you can clear your record and move forward.
Let Rasa Legal Handle Your Expungement
Expungement doesn’t have to be complicated. Rasa makes the process simple and stress-free by:
- Providing an eligibility tool to quickly determine if you qualify
- Handling all the paperwork and court filings for you
- Ensuring your expungement request is processed correctly
Our team has helped many people clear their records—now it’s your turn. Your future shouldn’t be defined by an outdated charge. Take control of your opportunities by expunging your record today! Check your eligibility now, and let Rasa help you move forward.
