A criminal record can make life harder, affecting job opportunities, housing, and personal freedoms. In Arizona, many people can clear their records and move forward. What type of record clearance option will work for you depends on the type of offense, how much time has passed, and whether all court requirements are complete. Arizona offers several ways to clear or improve the state of a criminal record, including sealing, set-asides, expungement, and restoring rights. Some methods hide a record from public view, while others remove the guilty verdict. Others restore lost opportunities like professional licensing or the right to possess a firearm.
Clearing a record can improve access to jobs, housing, and financial security. This guide explains who qualifies for record clearance, the different options available, and how to get started. If you're unsure where to begin, Rasa’s eligibility tool can tell you in minutes if you qualify.
Types and Options for Record Clearing in Arizona
Clearing your criminal record in Arizona can open doors to better jobs, housing, and financial security. Arizona offers several ways to remove or reduce the impact of past convictions. The right method depends on your record, goals, and budget—and sometimes, multiple methods can be used together for the best results.
Ways to Clear a Record in Arizona
Arizona law provides different options to modify, hide, or remove a criminal record. Each method offers unique benefits:
- Record Sealing – Hides a record from employers, landlords, and most background checks.
- Set-Aside – Removes the conviction status, showing the case as “set aside,” but the record remains visible.
- Expungement – Completely removes marijuana-related offenses from your criminal history so they no longer appear on your record (for more information on expungement, visit the Arizona Courts website).
- Certificate of Second Chance – Helps restore job and professional licensing eligibility, often after a set-aside.
- Restoring Rights – Allows individuals to regain their right to vote, serve on a jury, and possess a firearm if certain eligibility requirements are met.
Some of these methods work together for stronger results. For example, if you qualify for a set-aside, you may also be eligible for a Certificate of Second Chance to increase job opportunities. If you expunge a marijuana conviction, you may still need to seal or set aside other non-marijuana offenses on your record.
Options for Clearing a Record
How you approach record clearing depends on your budget, the complexity of your case, and how much time you can invest:
- Rasa Legal – A fast and affordable way to clear your record. Use Rasa’s eligibility tool to find out if you qualify in minutes.
- Private Attorney – Can help with the process, but hiring a more traditional lawyer can cost thousands of dollars.
- Do-It-Yourself (DIY) – The cheapest option, but the process can be confusing, and mistakes can cause delays. Research shows that 75% of people who try to self-navigate spend some time and money trying to clear their record without success.
- Arizona Justice Project – Provides free representation for expunging eligible marijuana records. They do not offer any other record-clearing service beyond expungement.
Rasa makes record clearing simple and stress-free by handling the entire legal process for you.
Take the First Step Today
Some record clearing methods can be combined to remove even more barriers. The best way to know what works for you is to check now. Rasa’s eligibility tool makes it easy—find out today and start your journey toward clearing your criminal record in Arizona.
Who Qualifies for Record Clearing in Arizona?
Not everyone qualifies to clear their record, and each type of record clearing has different rules and waiting periods. Arizona law allows many people to remove or reduce the impact of past convictions, but eligibility depends on the type of offense, how much time has passed, and whether court requirements are met.
Even if your record cannot be fully erased, you may still qualify for set-asides, Certificates of Second Chance, or restoring certain rights. Understanding your options is the first step toward a fresh start.
What Can and Cannot Be Cleared?
Crimes That Can Be Cleared:
Many offenses in Arizona qualify for record clearing, including:
- Most misdemeanors
- Some felonies
- Dropped or dismissed charges
- Marijuana-related offenses (eligible for full expungement)
Crimes That Cannot Be Cleared:
Some serious offenses do not qualify for record clearing, such as:
- Violent felonies and sex crimes
- Crimes involving children
- Certain repeat offenses
If your record cannot be sealed, other legal options—like set-asides or restoring your rights—may still help.
How Long Do You Have to Wait?
The waiting period before applying for record clearance depends on the charge and the type of relief:
- Sealing a Record:
- 10 years – Class 2 or 3 felony
- 5 years – Class 4, 5, or 6 felony
- 3 years – Class 1 misdemeanor
- 2 years – Class 2 or 3 misdemeanor
- Set-Asides and Certificates of Second Chance:
- No set waiting period, but you must complete your sentence and probation, and repay all fines, fees, and restitution.
- Expungement (Marijuana Only):
- No waiting period – Eligible cases can be cleared immediately.
- Rights Restoration:
- Rights should be automatically restored if you have one felony on your record, however, for multiple felony-level offenses, you must be crime-free for at least 2 years from your absolute discharge date. We have a page outlining the rights restoration process and effects in more detail.
Find Out if You Qualify Today
Many people qualify to clear their record but don’t know where to start. Arizona’s record-clearing laws can be complicated, but Rasa makes it easy. The fastest way to find out if you’re eligible to seal, expunge, or improve your record, is to use Rasa’s eligibility tool—get answers in minutes and take the next step toward clearing your record.
Why Clearing Your Record Matters
A criminal record can create serious obstacles in life, affecting employment, housing, and financial security. Even a minor offense can make it harder to get a job, rent an apartment, or qualify for certain professional licenses. Fortunately, Arizona law allows many people to clear the record in one way or another, giving them a second chance.
Taking action to clear your record is about more than just legal relief—it’s about removing barriers and reclaiming opportunities. Whether you want a better job, stable housing, or the ability to vote and own a firearm again, clearing your criminal record in Arizona can help you move forward with confidence.
Benefits of Clearing Your Record
More Job Opportunities
Most employers run background checks, and even old convictions can reduce your chances of getting hired. Clearing your record removes those barriers, allowing you to apply for more jobs without fear of rejection. For those in licensed professions—such as healthcare, education, and finance—certain types of record clearing like Certificates of Second Chance may restore eligibility for required certifications.
Better Housing Options
A criminal record can make finding a place to live more difficult, as 90% of landlords conduct background checks and many deny applications based on past convictions. Clearing your record increases your chances of getting approved for better housing opportunities, helping you build a stable future.
Access to Lost Rights
Certain convictions can take away civil rights, such as voting, serving on a jury, and owning a firearm. Depending on the case, you may be able to restore these rights, giving you an ability to do these things again.
Peace of Mind
Clearing your record is not just about removing legal barriers—it’s about moving forward. Knowing that your past won’t define your future can reduce stress, boost confidence, and help you focus on new opportunities instead of old mistakes.
Take the First Step Today
Many people qualify to clear their record but don’t take action because they think the process is too complicated. The truth is, Arizona’s record-clearing laws offer multiple options, and Rasa makes it easy to navigate them.
The fastest way to find out if you’re eligible is to use Rasa’s eligibility tool—get answers in minutes and take control of your future today.
