In Arizona, a Certificate of Second Chance (CSC) helps people with past convictions improve their options, especially when it comes to housing and employment. This certificate shows that the state recognizes your efforts to rebuild your life. It can help with finding a job, getting approved for housing, and applying for professional licenses. A CSC does not erase a conviction. Instead, it gives landlords and employers protections, which makes it easier to get jobs or housing. If you have a conviction that was set aside, you may be eligible for a Certificate of Second Chance.
Who Can Benefit from a Certificate of Second Chance?
A Certificate of Second Chance is a great option for:
- People who want to improve their job opportunities
- People looking to get a professional license for careers like real estate, healthcare, or other licensed careers.
- Anyone who has had a set-aside granted and meets other requirements
This certificate helps reduce barriers that come with a criminal record. It can show employers, landlords, and licensing boards that you have made positive changes.
Why Choose Rasa?
It can be hard to know whether your record qualifies for a CSC. More than that, going through the process by yourself can waste a lot of time and money. In more than 70% of cases, people who try to clear their record themselves end in failure. Rasa can help you check your eligibility, handle the application process for you, and help you get a CSC and other record-clearing options you might qualify for.
Understanding the Certificate of Second Chance Process
Getting a Certificate of Second Chance (CSC) in Arizona is easier than many people think, especially with the right guidance. In some cases, the certificate is granted automatically. If not, you may need to apply. Here’s how the process works.
How Does the Process Work?
- (Optional) Get a Set-Aside
- A Certificate of Second Chance is often available to people who have had their conviction set aside. The process for a CSC and set-aside is the same, but they can be done separately. .
- If your conviction has not been set aside yet, that step can be completed first to make getting a CSC easier.
- Rasa can help determine if you qualify for a set-aside and guide you through the process.
- Check Your Eligibility and What Was Granted
- If you file at the same time as a set-aside, you can automatically receive a Certificate of Second Chance.
- If your certificate was not issued when your set-aside was granted, you may need to submit a separate application.
- Apply for a Certificate of Second Chance
- If your certificate was not granted automatically, you must file an application with the court.
- The court will review factors such as your criminal history, rehabilitation efforts, and time since the offense.
- Receive Your Certificate
- If approved, the court will issue a Certificate of Second Chance
- This certificate opens up new opportunities and provides protections to people who would provide licensing and housing to you.
Eligibility for a Certificate of Second Chance
Not everyone with a criminal record qualifies for a Certificate of Second Chance (CSC). Arizona has general guidelines within the law about who can apply. Below are some basic requirements to get a Certificate of Second Chance.
Who is Eligible for a Certificate of Second Chance?
To qualify for a CSC, you must:
- In some cases, receive a set-aside for your conviction
- Meet Arizona’s waiting period for felonies (see below)
- Have completed all sentencing requirements, including probation, fees, fines, and restitution.
You may already have access to a Certificate of Second Chance through a set-aside. In many cases, you may need to submit an application.
Felony Waiting Periods
If you are trying to get a certificate of second chance along with a set-aside, there are set wait times you must pass before you can receive your CSC. Different classes of crimes have different set wait-times.
- Misdemeanors – No waiting period
- Class 4, 5, or 6 felonies – Must wait 2 years
- Class 2 or 3 felonies – Must wait 5 years
Who is NOT Eligible?
Some crimes do not qualify for a Certificate of Second Chance. These include:
- Dangerous offenses
- Sexual crimes
- Felony crimes involving victims under 15 years old
- Crimes requiring sex offender registration
Additionally, if you have already gotten a Certificate of Second Chance for a felony, you cannot receive another one for that same felony.You can’t double up on CSCs.
Start the Process Today
An Arizona Certificate of Second Chance (CSC) can open doors to better jobs, housing, and career opportunities. It helps reduce the impact of a past conviction, making it easier to move forward with your life. If you qualify, there’s no reason to wait—start the process today.
Why Apply for a Certificate of Second Chance?
- Better Job Opportunities – Many employers hesitate to hire people with criminal records. A CSC provides protections for people who employ CSC holders.
- Easier Housing Applications – Landlords may be more willing to approve your rental application if you have a CSC.
- Access to Professional Licenses – Many careers, including healthcare, real estate, and skilled trades, require state licenses. A CSC can remove barriers to getting certified.
- Legal Protections for Employers and Landlords – Businesses and property owners may feel more confident hiring or renting to someone with a CSC, as it provides certain legal protections.
Click here for more information and stories about how getting a CSC or other form of record clearing can improve your life.
How Rasa Makes It Easy
Navigating the Certificate of Second Chance process alone can be confusing, but Rasa is here to help. We can handle the application process for you and help you figure out the easiest way for you to receive a CSC. Using Rasa can save you time, stress, and money. Rasa’s goal is to help people clear their records and move forward with confidence. If a Certificate of Second Chance is the right option for you, Rasa can help you start that process today by checking your eligibility.
