Phoenix Expungement Attorneys

Top-Rated Legal Representation For Expungement & Record Sealing In Phoenix

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    Experienced Record Sealing Lawyers With Flexible Financing Options

    At My AZ Criminal Defense, we want to make sure that everyone has access to high quality legal representation. When it comes to record sealing it is especially important to have a lawyer on your case to ensure deadlines are met, the right documents are provided, and your rights are protected in the event that there are objections or your case is more complex. A record sealing lawyer can also help you prepare in such a way to reduce these objections and a need for a hearing. We offer flexible financing options so that you don’t have to worry about money during this difficult time. Our goal is to make our legal representation as accessible to you as possible so that you can experience the freedoms that record sealing brings! From more job opportunities to more housing options, record sealing can change the outlook of your life. You can count on our attorneys to work with you financially to ensure you have the best chance at success.

    Why Hire A Phoenix Expungement Attorney?

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      Access Better Job Options

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      Expand Housing Options

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      Access Educational Opportunities

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      Enhance Your Credit Score

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      Restore Your Right To Vote

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      Regain Legal Firearm Ownership

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      In-Depth Understanding Of Arizona Laws

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      Navigate Arizona Courts Easily

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      Handle All Legal Paperwork

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      Support For Appeals If Needed

    Record Expungement Lawyer Explaining The Impact of Legal Representation in Criminal Cases

    Our Clients’ Testimonials

    5-Star Rated Record Sealing Law Firm In Phoenix

    Phoenix Expungement Lawyers with 5-Star Reviews on Google
    Record Seal Lawyers in Phoenix with 5-Star Rated Reviews on Facebook
    5-Star Rated Record Expungement Attorneys in Phoenix on Yelp

    I’m so glad I chose MY AZ Lawyers. This firm has treated me with respect and kindness. They have all worked to help me so much. And there has always been someone willing to talk with me and answer questions. Nick is so nice and great at explaining things. And Jacqueline is extremely knowledgeable. Just to name a few. Thank you for all the hard work and help. I would definitely recommend this firm.

    A.G.
    ★★★★★

    I am so thankful for My AZ Lawyers! They worked hard on my case, particularly with criminal law (DUI). Their attention to detail was impeccable, and their customer service is top-notch. I highly recommend this firm to anyone who needs legal assistance.

    D.R.
    ★★★★★

    I highly recommend this law firm. Bryce was the attorney that handled my DUI case. He handled everything for me and explained things to where I could easily and fully understand. Bryce was very professional and helpful. Everyone I spoke with over the phone was helpful and friendly as well. The billing process was simple and affordable.

    E.R.
    ★★★★★

    Eligibility For Sealing Or Expungement

    Completed Sentence & Payments

    One important requirement for record sealing is having a completed sentence and completed payments connected to your case. This means you are no longer under probation or incarceration. You have completed your community service hours, are no longer under supervised release, your fines, restitution, and court costs are paid, and you have no other obligations.

    Representation of a lawyer explaining why you must completed sentence and payments
    Record Sealing for Dismissed Or Not Guilty Verdict in Phoenix

    Dismissed Or Not Guilty Verdict

    You may especially be eligible for record sealing if your case was dismissed or you were not found guilty and were acquitted. In these circumstances, there is no waiting period to have your record sealed, unlike there is if you were convicted. To have your record sealed, reach out to our attorneys at My AZ Criminal Defense to see if you’re eligible and what steps you should take to get started.

    Arrest Without Charges

    In Arizona, being arrested without receiving a charge can show on your record and impact your life. However, arrests without charges are eligible for record sealing, removing them from the public eye. Typically, you have to wait one to five years after an arrest in order to have your record sealed. Once your record is sealed, landlords, financial institutions, employers, and more will not be able to access it.

    Expungement Lawyer Helping With Record Sealing for Arrests Without Charges in Phoenix

    Essential Steps For Sealing Your Record

    Gathering Essential Documents for Record Sealing Petitions

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    Gather Essential Documents

    The first step in having your record sealed is to prepare the required documents. The essential documents include your petition for sealing your record, a copy of your judgment for the crime, your complete criminal history, and more.

    Consult with an Experienced Phoenix Attorney for Record Sealing Assistance

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    Consult With Our Record Sealing Attorneys

    If you’re considering having your record sealed and are wondering about your eligibility, reach out to our record sealing lawyers who have years of experience working with clients and successfully sealing records of all complexities.

    Complete And File the Required Forms with a Record Sealing Attorney

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    Complete & File Required Forms

    Our lawyers will help you gather, complete, and file the required forms. Having our lawyers involved can make the chances of success even higher as they use strategies that encourage the best possible outcome.

    Legal Representation at Court Hearings for Record Sealing Procedures

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    Attend Court Hearings As Needed

    If your circumstances are complex or there are objections to your petition, you may be required to attend a court hearing to determine if you are able to have your record sealed. At this court hearing, our lawyers will represent you and protect your rights and

    Case Updates with a Criminal Defense and Expungement Lawyer in Phoenix

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    Track Your Case Updates

    Throughout the process, you are able to track your case updates. Your lawyer can keep you updated so that you are aware of where your case is at and what is required of you going forward. Contact our law firm for a free consultation!

    Additional Benefits Of Expungement & A Clean Record

    Record Expungement Helps Increase Loan Approval Chances in Phoenix

    Increase Loan Approval Chances

    Let our lawyers help you set aside or seal your record in order to increase your chances at receiving approval of a loan! The process can erase your record from the public eye or give people assurance that you completed your sentence.

    Record Expungement Helps You Qualify For Professional Licenses in Phoenix

    Qualify For Professional Licenses

    After a conviction, your life can change, influenced by many consequences. However, with the proper procedures, you can remove your crime off your record giving you a chance at qualifying for a professional license again.

    Record Expungement Can Help You Regain Parental Custody Rights in Phoenix

    Regain Parental Custody Rights

    Don’t let your record affect your parental custody rights. Talk to our lawyers at My AZ Criminal Defense about expungement opportunities or having your record set aside. Let us help you reunite with your children again after a conviction.

    Record Expungement Helps Expand Travel Opportunities in Phoenix

    Expand Travel Opportunities

    Criminal records can lead to many consequences including a limited ability to travel. If you’re hoping to continue traveling and wanting to expand your opportunities, we have you covered! We can coach you on the next steps you can take to make this happen.

    Types Of Cases
    Not Eligible For Expungement

    Class 1 Felonies Are Not Not Eligible For Expungement

    Class 1 Felonies (e.g., Murder)

    If you have a class 1 felony on your record, you likely will not be eligible for record sealing. Class 1 felonies include crimes such as first and second-degree murder. If you’re facing a class 1 felony, consult with our attorneys to have your charges reduced so that you might be eligible for record sealing in the future.

    Violent and Dangerous Felonies Are Not Not Eligible For Expungement

    Violent Or Dangerous Felonies

    Violent or dangerous crimes include homicide and manslaughter, aggravated assault, kidnapping, armed robbery, domestic violence, arson, and more. In general, if you were involved in a crime that involved a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or caused serious harm, you likely won’t be eligible for record sealing.

    Offenses Against Children Are Not Not Eligible For Expungement

    Offenses Against Children

    Arizona takes offenses against children very seriously and does everything they can to protect vulnerable individuals. This means that these crimes generally are not eligible for record sealing. If you are facing a crime against children, consult with our lawyers to see what options you have available to you.

    Certain Sexual Offenses Are Not Not Eligible For Expungement

    Certain Sexual Offenses

    Sexual offenses are not usually allowed for record sealing because of how serious they are and how important it is to protect the public’s safety. For many, they may be required to register as a sex offender for life. Juvenile sexual offenses, however, may be eligible, but it depends on the case. If you’re curious about your eligibility, consult our lawyers!

    Sexual Motivation Findings Are Not Not Eligible For Expungement

    Sexual Motivation Findings

    If you are found guilty of an offense such as burglary, kidnapping, or assault and there was sexual intent involved, your conviction will not be eligible for expungement or to be set aside. Because offenses with sexual intent are so serious and are a risk to the public, Arizona law excludes them from any expungement benefits.

    Driving With Suspended License Are Not Not Eligible For Expungement

    Driving With Suspended License

    Driving your vehicle with suspended, revoked, or canceled licenses can get you additional license suspension time, fines, and potential jail time. It will also remove your ability to set aside or seal your record. If you are facing this type of charge, reach out to our defense lawyers to see what you can do about how the public sees your record.

    Violating Vehicle Operation Ordinances Are Not Not Eligible For Expungement

    Violating Vehicle Operation Ordinances

    While violating vehicle operation ordinances are typically not a crime and are seen as petty offenses, they do show up on driving history or DMV reports which can have consequences of their own. These offenses are not eligible for any kind of expungement, sealing, or setting aside, mainly because they are not crimes.

    Ready To Seal Your Record? Reach Out To Our Skilled Legal Team Today

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    Visit Our Phoenix Law Office For Record Sealing Services

    Frequently Asked Questions About Record Sealing

    The time it takes to have a record sealed is hard to determine without knowing the specifics of the case. Many things will influence the timeline such as complexity of the case, the court that is handling the petition, and any objections from prosecution. Generally, the process can take anywhere from 3-6 months. The process starts with preparation and filing. From there, the court will review the petition and schedule a hearing if necessary. Once the court makes a decision, it can take 1-2 months for your record to update if you were approved. Because of the many requirements involved such as certain documents and deadlines, having a record sealing attorney on the case can significantly impact the speed of the process as well as the petition’s success.

    Arizona does not allow expungement of criminal records at all so all offenses are ineligible for expungement. However, when it comes to record sealing, there are some offenses that will make a person ineligible. Class 1 felonies which include charges such as first-degree murder or crimes involving serious physical injury or a deadly weapon are excluded from the process. Additionally, sex offenses, dangerous crimes, crimes against children, DUI offenses, crimes that are repetitive, and certain crimes that pose serious risk to public safety are also ineligible. However, if you are not eligible for record sealing, consult with your attorney as there may be other options available to you such as having your conviction “set aside”.

    Record sealing makes your criminal record unavailable to the public so that landlords, employers, and others cannot see it. However, there will still be some that are able to see your record such as law enforcement agencies. This means that police departments, sheriffs, and other law enforcement can use your record for investigative purposes. In addition to law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, government agencies, and certain employers with specific authority may see your record. If you’re worried about who can and cannot have access to your criminal record or whether or not you can state if you have a record, consult with our attorneys at My AZ Criminal Defense to clarify your rights and limitations.

    Sealed records are not directly related to your credit report and so do not directly impact your credit score. However, there are ways a sealed record can indirectly impact your credit score. First, it’s important to note that criminal convictions are not included in a credit report so if you have your record sealed, it will not make your credit score change. That said, with a sealed record, you may have better job opportunities available which can give you more financial stability which can mean you are actively working towards a better credit score! Similarly if you are looking at a loan opportunity, the lender will look for a criminal history, but will see none, giving you the chance at building your credit score through actively paying off a loan. So while sealing your record does not impact your credit score, it allows for more positive financial opportunities which can lead to a stronger credit score!

    Expungement is the process in which you remove your criminal record entirely. This means that it is permanently gone and law enforcement, employers, landlords, government agencies, and others will no longer have access to your record. It will be erased or destroyed. The state of Arizona does not allow for record expungement. However, you are able to have your record sealed. While sealing your record will not erase your record as fully as expungement will, it does remove it from the public eye. With record sealing, landlords, financial institutions, employers, friends, family, and more will not see it. You do not have to tell anyone you have a criminal record either. However, it will still be accessible to law enforcement, government agencies, and others. You will also still technically have a record, unlike expungement.

    Yes, the record sealing process does not always require you to appear for court, but it does depend on the circumstances of your case. If your petition to have your record sealed is uncontested, meaning it meets all of the legal requirements and the prosecutor has no objections, then you likely will not have to appear in court. This is also typically true for simpler cases or cases that have all of the proper documentation. For cases that are more complex, require additional clarifications, or are facing objections, you may have to appear in court. Having a skilled attorney working on your case can help you understand what to expect and whether or not you will be required to appear in court. They can also make sure everything is put together in such a way that can prevent the need for a court appearance.

    Sealing your record will not prevent background checks, but it will limit what the general public can see. After having your record sealed, it will not appear on any background checks accessed by landlords, employers, or the general public. This can make a huge difference after a conviction in getting back to normal life, finding a place to live, and getting a job. Additionally, sealing your record means that you are legally allowed to say “no” when asked if you have ever been arrested, charged, or convicted in job or rental applications. However, there are some individuals and institutions that will be able to access your record and those include law enforcement, prosecutors, certain employers that involve vulnerable populations, some types of professional icenese, and the government. It’s important to note that sealing your record is not the same as having it expunged. Your record will remain, it will just be visible to certain groups and not everyone.

    Similar to adult records, you can seal juvenile criminal records, but it will depend on the circumstances. You must be at least 18 years old, have not been convicted of a felony, have no pending criminal charges, have paid all restitution, and the offense must not have inflicted serious injury, involved a deadly weapon, or been a sexual offense. Serious offenses can be re-evaluated for destruction or sealing once you turn 25. If you are eligible to have your record sealed, you can complete and file a petition to the court who handled your case. You will be required to attend a hearing during which a decision will be granted. It can be helpful to have a defense lawyer involved in this process to ensure the best chances at success.

    First of all, reach out to the court where you filed the petition which will be the one that handled your original case. Once you find the right court, you can call or visit the Clerk’s office and ask about the status of your petition. You will likely be asked for your full legal name, case number, and date of filing. You can also look up your case on the Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access Case Lookup. If you use an attorney, you can reach out to them and they can find out the status for you. If you haven’t heard back about the status within 60 days, you or your lawyer can follow up with the court to find out what is happening.

    Unfortunately, sealing your record does not erase your record. It will still be visible by the government and can still impact your immigration status. As your immigration status is pending, your record could have a significant effect depending on the case. Your green card, visa, or citizenship could be denied if you are convicted for crimes involving moral turpitude, drug offenses, domestic violence, or aggravated felonies. You could also be deported for these convictions. Sealing your record could still have a positive affect on your employment or living situations, however. If you’ve been convicted of a crime as an immigrant, reach out to our defense attorneys who will do everything we can to keep you on your desired trajectory towards a life in America.

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