Expunging or sealing records

questions & answers

Question: what do I need to do to get a misdemeanor off my record from 25 years ago?

Answer: Arizona Revised Statutes section 13-905 provides for setting aside an Arizona conviction. Most all misdemeanors (except driving offenses that are not DUI or reckless driving) are eligible. You need to apply to the Court your conviction is out of. Most courts provide a form that you can use. If you no longer have documents or your case number, the courts may not either, and you may need to go through the Arizona Department of Public Safety to conduct a background check to get your case number. Please note that a set aside does not expunge or erase your record, but it will relieve you of the disabilities of your conviction. We find this helps people with fingerprint clearance cards, housing, jobs, etc. The only way to truly clear a record where the defendant was an adult when they committed the offense is to file a Petition for Entry of Clearance on records pursuant to A.R.S. 13-4051. To qualify, you must show that you were wrongfully arrested/charge/convicted, and justice supports sealing the record. Additional mechanisms are available for juvenile offenders, victims of sex trafficking, and other special cases.