Why You Should Expunge Your Arizona Criminal Record

A criminal record can have a significant impact on your ability to find and maintain employment. Many employers conduct background checks on job applicants and may choose not to hire someone with a criminal record.

This can make it difficult if you have a criminal past. Additionally, it makes it hard for you to reintegrate into society and support yourself and your family.

If You Don’t Expunge Your Arizona Criminal Record

One of the main issues with having a criminal record is the negative stereotypes and biases that exist toward people with criminal records.

Many employers may assume that someone with a criminal record is unreliable, untrustworthy, or dangerous.

This can lead to discrimination in the hiring process, even if the crime committed is not directly related to the job for which the person is applying.

Some Types of Jobs are Off Limits

In addition to discrimination, having a criminal record can also limit the types of jobs that a person is able to apply for. Many jobs, particularly in the government, health, or financial sectors, require a background check and may have strict hiring policies for individuals with criminal records.

This can make it difficult for you if you have a criminal record to find work in fields that you are qualified for and have experience in.

Another issue is that many employers require employees to have a clean record. This can be a major obstacle for people who have been convicted of a crime, even if it was minor or non-violent.

Some employers will not hire people with a criminal record, no matter how long ago the crime was committed or how minor the offense was.

This can make it difficult for people to find work, even if they have turned their lives around and want to move on from their past.

This can lead to poverty and homelessness, which can make it even more difficult for them to find a job in the future. This cycle can be hard to break out of, which is why it is so important for employers to give people with criminal records a fair chance at employment.

Arizona’s New Expungement Law

On January 1, 2023, Arizona started a new way to have your old criminal record expunged or sealed. See the full article here: How to Expunge Your Criminal Record in Arizona

A portion of the exact language of the new law is here:

13-911. Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records; requirements; fee; appeal; definition

A. A person may file a petition to seal all case records related to a criminal offense if the person was:

1. Convicted of a criminal offense and has completed all of the terms and conditions of the sentence that was imposed by the court, including the payment of all monetary obligations and restitution to all victims.

You Can Say “No” to the Question: Do you have a criminal conviction?

The most important section of the law is: Section I, (5)

A person whose records are sealed pursuant to this section may state, in all instances, that the person has never been arrested for, charged with or convicted of the crime that is the subject of the arrest or conviction, including in response to questions on employment, housing, financial aid or loan applications…

While the law has exceptions and is fairly complicated, you can see how beneficial it is if you have a criminal record. The law is designed to help you transition back into society and find employment. 

In conclusion, a criminal record can have a significant impact on your ability to find and maintain employment. Negative stereotypes and biases, as well as strict hiring policies, can make it difficult to find work.

However, now you no longer have to suffer from your past.  

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If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me or email.