On January 1, 2023, Arizona citizens can file a Motion to seal their old criminal record if they meet certain requirements.

If you’re eligible to benefit from this new law, here is some of the information you’ll need to provide to your lawyer.

Some of the information will be necessary, and some might be necessary depending on your particular circumstances.

Required Information to Seal Your Criminal Record

• Full Name and Date of Birth:

• Jurisdiction: The city of your arrest and the Court where you had your case.  

• Case Number: The number the Court assigned to your case. 

• The Offense(s): The name of the crime(s) you were charged with. You don’t need the actual statute because your lawyer can find it. 

• Case Type: Was your case a Misdemeanor or Felony?

• Date of Offense: The day you were arrested.

• Date of Conviction: The day you were found guilty or entered a guilty plea.

• The sentence imposed: The penalties the Court imposed. For example, jail time, fines, restitution, classes, etc.

Information that You May need to provide to seal your criminal record

• Social Security number: If your conviction is very old and it is difficult to find information about it, you may need to search your records via your social security number. 

• Ticket From the Police: If you have your ticket from the police, it could help if you were arrested but not charged with a criminal offense. E.g., your case was dropped, dismissed, vacated, etc.

• Documentation of How Your Case Finished: For example, your final judgment, signed plea bargain, or the sentencing minute entry. Don’t worry if you don’t have these items because your lawyer can easily get them. 

• Proof You Completed all Penalty Requirements: For example, any papers showing probation was successful and terminated, all fines were paid, all classes were completed, etc.

In summary, as of this writing (Dec 2022), nobody knows for sure what information you’ll need to provide to the Court to have your old criminal conviction sealed.

However, my firm has been filing Motions to “Set Aside Convictions” for the last 20 years in all Arizona Courts. Most Arizona Courts require at least some of the information above.  

If you want more information, please call or email me at derronw@msn.com

Thank you,

Derron Woodfork