Have you been hoping to seal your criminal record in Arizona? Good news! The Arizona Legislature just passed a new law to make the process more accessible for many people seeking a second chance. Below, we let's break down what this could mean for you:
1. Seal Records as They Become Eligible.
The old Arizona sealing law required a person to wait to begin the sealing process until all of their records were eligible to be sealed. Under the new law, a person can seal their records as they become eligible. This means you can begin cleaning up your record step by step. This is a big deal because getting rid of some records, even if you can’t clear them all, can help a person feel hopeful, and can help increase the chances of securing stable housing and employment.
2. Clarifying Wait Times for Multiple Felonies.
The bill also clears up confusion about wait times for people with multiple felony cases. Some courts interpreted Arizona sealing law to mean that individuals who had multiple felony records had to wait an additional five years from the latest waiting period to be eligible for sealing. For example, if a person had a Class 6 felony drug possession conviction in 2000 and another Class 6 felony conviction in 2005, the person would have to wait until 2015 to seal any of their records. This was not intended when the original sealing law was created. Under the new law, the legislature clarified that this 5-year “penalty” waiting period applies only if a person has been through the sealing process and commits an additional felony offense after their record has been sealed.
3. Sealing a Record Can Make it Easier to Get a Fingerprint Clearance Card
Under Arizona law, some types of employment require a person to obtain a fingerprint clearance card. Whether a person had sealed a record had no bearing on whether a fingerprint clearance card could be issued. The new law provides that if a person successfully seals their record, this fact should be considered by the government in determining whether to issue a fingerprint clearance card. This policy change makes sense because when a record is sealed, a judge has determined that it is safe to do so, and in the best interest of the public.
What Else You Should Know
- The bill passed the Arizona House of Representatives unanimously. This shows that lawmakers from both parties want to help people clear up their records and get back into the workforce.
- The Governor signed the bill, into law, so it will become effective on September 13.
What's Next?
If you're looking to seal your Arizona criminal record, Rasa is here to help. We understand that the process can seem overwhelming, but that's where we come in. At Rasa, we make sealing your record easier and more affordable than anyone else. Our team of experts knows the ins and outs of Arizona's record-sealing laws, including these new changes.
In under 3 minutes, our tool can help you determine if you are eligible for sealing, set-aside, rights restoration, or expungement. Don’t wait to access your second chance today!
