Phoenix Expungement Attorneys Offering Flat-Fee Record Sealing
Our Phoenix expungement attorneys help people across Maricopa County clear their criminal record and move forward. A single arrest or conviction can follow you for years, costing you jobs, housing, family relationships, and loan approvals. Sealing a record can restore your civil rights and take that weight off your future. Our lawyers have years of experience navigating the Arizona record sealing process. We know what the prosecutors are looking for and the qualifications that must be met.
From gathering documents to filing the petition to representing you at the hearing, you get the same team every step of the way. We provide our services for a flat fee, ensuring you know exactly what you are getting into before moving forward. For the best chances at success and the most peace of mind, reach out to our Phoenix expungement attorneys at My AZ Criminal Defense. With years of experience and a track record of success, we have you covered from beginning to end. Talk to a Phoenix record sealing lawyer today about your free consultation!
How A Phoenix Record Sealing Lawyer Helps Navigate Your Case
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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
Our Clients’ Testimonials
5-Star Rated Record Sealing Law Firm In Phoenix
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.
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, an arrest record can follow you even when no charge was ever filed, showing up on background checks and affecting 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.
The Arizona Record Sealing Process: What to Expect
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Gather Court Judgments & Documents
The very first step in your petition to seal a record is gathering all of your court judgments and documents. Your lawyer will help you with this. You can acquire a criminal history report from the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The court will require these items in order to make an informed decision to move forward to the next step.
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Evaluate Eligibility & Next Steps
There are several circumstances that would disallow you from sealing your record. The first is if your offense is serious and barred from sealing. The second is if you have not waited the mandatory amount of time, and the third is if you have had a previous sealing petition denied within the last three years.
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File The Petition In Superior Court
If you and your lawyer determine that you are eligible for sealing, the next step is to file your petition in Maricopa County Superior Court. You will provide a series of documents with the petition that your lawyer will help you put together. Once you file the petition, you will enter a waiting period as the court, prosecutors, and victims consider your request.
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Navigate Court Hearings
In many cases, having a record sealed is a process that remains paperwork-only. However, if there are any objections from the court or the prosecutors, you will be required to attend a court hearing. Your lawyer at My AZ Criminal Defense will represent you during this hearing to ensure your rights are protected and you experience the best possible outcome.
Additional Benefits Of Expungement & A Clean Record
Increase Loan Approval Chances
Because sealing lets you clear your criminal record from public view and legally deny it on applications, lenders will be more likely to approve you for loans, allowing you to move forward with the big purchases in life.
Qualify For Professional Licenses
If you were on the journey to acquiring a professional license when you were charged with a crime, sealing your record can re-qualify you. Talk to our lawyers about your options so you can grow in your professional job!
Regain Parental Custody Rights
Sealing a record can set you on the journey to regaining your parental custody rights. Don’t face your criminal accusation alone — reach out to our lawyers to help you through the justice system, especially when your children are involved.
Expand Travel Opportunities
Whether you like to travel within the United States or outside of the country, sealing your record can make a helpful impact on your adventures. Talk to our lawyers today about the best options for you and to see when you will qualify.
Record Sealing vs. Setting Aside A Conviction
While there is no way to completely erase a record, Arizona has two options for those that want to make a positive impact on it. They can either have it sealed or have it set aside. In either case, you must qualify, and many offenses stay public forever. The first option is to petition to have a record sealed under Arizona’s record sealing statute, A.R.S. § 13-911. Sealing a record will hide it from the public eye. The only groups that will be able to see it will be law enforcement and some government groups. The offender will legally be able to say “no” when asked if they have a criminal record, opening up many more opportunities.
Having a record set aside under A.R.S. 13-905 does not erase the charge from view, but instead marks it as “set aside” on your record. You can only do this after you complete your sentence. Having a charge “set aside” tells everyone doing a background check that you have completed the criminal process. This process also legally allows you to say “no” when asked if you have a criminal record.
Both options have positives and negatives so talk with our lawyer to determine the best option for you or to see if you even qualify.
Which Criminal
Charges Cannot Be Sealed?
Class 1 Felonies (e.g., Murder)
When you are charged with a Class 1 felony, you are facing the most serious charge in Arizona. Your court-ordered penalties will be severe and you will have life-long consequences including a permanent criminal record. Examples of a Class 1 felony include first-degree and second-degree murder. Because Class 1 felonies are so serious, they will never qualify to be cleared or hidden from the public.
Violent Or Dangerous Felonies
Don’t face your violent or dangerous felony accusation alone. If charged and convicted, you will never be able to seal or set aside these charges on your record. You are considered an ongoing public safety concern due to the nature of your offense. Our lawyers can work with you and the prosecution to see if lower penalties and charges can be acquired through a plea deal or other means during your case.
Offenses Against Children
Anytime an offense includes a minor or child under a certain age, it automatically disqualifies it from the sealing or setting aside process. Arizona takes protecting the vulnerable very seriously and therefore ensures crimes against children are always visible to everyone in background checks. If you are facing this devastating charge, reach out to our lawyers who are highly experienced in handling these sensitive cases.
Certain Sexual Offenses
Any sexual offense that is a major felony becomes a charge that cannot be sealed or set aside. Having a sexual offense on your record can impact your everyday life by making it hard to get a job or find housing. It also comes with a stigma that can impact your relationships creating loneliness in everyday life. If you’re charged with a sexual offense, this is not the end. Let our lawyers advise you in the next steps forward.
Sexual Motivation Findings
Any type of crime can be escalated into an offense that cannot be sealed or set aside if “sexual motivation” was found to have played a role. Sexual motivation carries a public safety risk, and many individuals are required to register as a sex offender. In these situations, there is no hope for hiding or clearing a record so talk to your lawyer about the other options available to you as you proceed with your case.
Driving With Suspended License
If you are arrested while driving with a suspended license, you could face either a misdemeanor or a felony. In aggravated situations or repeat offenses, the criminal penalties can be very serious and your ability to seal or set aside your charge will be removed. This is because the aggravated or repeat offense shows your willingness to break the law and you remain a threat to public safety. Contact our lawyers at My AZ Criminal Defense for a consultation!
Violating Vehicle Operation Ordinances
Like most other offenses that pose a risk to public safety, certain vehicle operation violations can be barred from the sealing process. Examples of violating vehicle operation ordinances that can lead to an inability to seal your record include vehicle operation involving “dangerous” conduct or injury, habitual reckless driving or excessive speeding tied to criminal recklessness, and operating the vehicle under the influence.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Record Sealing
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