Experienced Representation By Our Tucson RECORD SEALING LAWYER
What Records Can Potentially Be Sealed?
Depending on the circumstances, record sealing may be available for:
- Arrest records
- Criminal charges that were dismissed
- Acquittals and not-guilty verdicts
- Certain misdemeanor convictions
- Certain felony convictions
- Juvenile adjudications
- Completed diversion matters
- Certain criminal justice records held by government agencies
Eligibility depends on multiple factors, including the offense involved, the disposition of the case, and statutory waiting periods.
Not every case qualifies.
What Records
Cannot
Be Sealed?
Arizona law excludes certain offenses from record-sealing eligibility.
Potential exclusions may include:
- Dangerous offenses
- Certain violent crimes
- Serious felony offenses
- Certain sex offenses
- Crimes involving serious physical injury
- Other offenses specifically excluded by statute
- Eligibility should always be reviewed individually.
How Long Must You
Wait?
Waiting periods vary depending on the offense and case outcome.
Examples may include:
- Immediate eligibility after dismissal or acquittal in some circumstances
- Multi-year waiting periods after misdemeanor convictions
- Longer waiting periods after felony convictions
The calculation can become complicated when multiple convictions, probation terms, or separate cases are involved.
One of the most common mistakes people make is assuming they are either eligible when they are not—or ineligible when they actually qualify.
Common
Reasons
People Seek Record Sealing
People pursue record sealing for many reasons, including:
Employment Opportunities
Many employers conduct criminal background checks before hiring.
Professional Licensing
Licensing boards frequently review criminal history when evaluating applications.
Housing Applications
Landlords often review criminal records before approving tenants.
Educational Opportunities
Certain criminal records may affect admissions or financial aid opportunities.
Personal Reputation
Many individuals simply want to move forward after completing their sentence and rebuilding their lives.
Ready
To Move Forward?
A criminal record should
not
define the rest of your life.
Former Pima County Judge Doug Taylor helps individuals throughout Tucson and Southern Arizona pursue
record sealing,
set-asides,
civil rights restoration, and other
post-conviction remedies.
Call Taylor Law Group, PLLC today for a free confidential consultation available 24/7.
What a
Former Judge Looks For In Record Sealing Cases
As a former Pima County Judge, Doug Taylor understands how courts evaluate
post-conviction requests.
Judges often focus on:
- Completion of all sentencing requirements
- Compliance with probation
- Time elapsed since conviction
- Subsequent criminal history
- Rehabilitation efforts
- Employment history
- Community involvement
- Overall interests of justice
A well-prepared petition supported by appropriate documentation can significantly improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Record Sealing vs. Set Aside: What Is The
Difference?
Many people mistakenly believe these remedies are identical.
They are
not.
Record Sealing
Record sealing limits public access to qualifying criminal records.
Set Aside
A
set aside vacates a conviction and dismisses the accusation while maintaining the historical record of the case.
Some individuals may qualify for one remedy.
Others may qualify for both.
Strategic planning often matters.
Related Post-Conviction Remedies
In addition to record sealing, Taylor Law Group assists clients with:
- Set Aside Convictions
- Civil Rights Restoration
- Firearm Rights Restoration
- Rule 32 Post-Conviction Relief
- Criminal Appeals
- Sentence Modification Requests
Each remedy serves a different purpose and may be available depending on the facts of the case.
FAQs
Is record sealing the same as expungement?
Not usually. Most people use the word "expungement" to describe removing a criminal record. In Arizona,
record sealing is generally the primary remedy available for most completed criminal cases.
Can felony convictions be sealed?
Some felony convictions may qualify, while others are excluded by statute. Eligibility depends on the offense, sentence completion, and waiting periods.
Can dismissed charges be sealed?
Often yes. Dismissed cases are frequently among the strongest candidates for record sealing relief.
Will employers still see a sealed record?
In many situations, sealed records are no longer available through standard public record searches, although certain government agencies may still have access.
Do I need a lawyer to seal my record?
Individuals may file petitions on their own, but legal representation can help ensure eligibility is properly evaluated and petitions are prepared effectively.
How long does the process take?
The timeline varies depending on the court, case complexity, agency responses, and judicial review.
Need Help
Now?
A criminal conviction can turn your life upside down. It doesn't have to stick. We offer free, confidential consultations and representation backed by over 25 years of courtroom experience — led by a former Pima County Judge.
đź“ž Call or text
(520) 440-5635
anytime, 24/7.
