Expungement in Arizona
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Arizona allows set-aside of convictions after probation completion, effectively removing the conviction from your record.
How Arizona treats Expungement
Arizona permits a 'set-aside' under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-905, which removes a conviction from your record after you complete probation or the sentence. This applies to most felonies and misdemeanors, though some violent crimes and sex offenses are excluded. After set-aside, you can legally state you were not convicted, though the arrest record may still exist. The process is relatively straightforward and does not require a waiting period beyond sentence completion.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Arizona.