The Impact of a Criminal Record in Arizona and How to Address It

A criminal record in Arizona can have far-reaching and lasting consequences—even long after you’ve served your sentence or paid your fines. Convictions, and in some cases even arrests without convictions, become part of the public record and can affect nearly every aspect of your life.

One of the most immediate and severe impacts is on employment. Many employers conduct background checks, and even a misdemeanor conviction can result in lost job opportunities. Similarly, landlords may deny housing applications, and professional licensing boards can deny or revoke licenses, limiting career advancement.

A criminal record can also affect immigration status for non-citizens, impact child custody disputes, and prevent you from qualifying for certain types of financial aid, public housing, or federal assistance programs. In short, even a single conviction can derail your future.

Fortunately, Arizona law provides limited but meaningful remedies. Depending on the type of conviction and your post-conviction behavior, you may be eligible to have your conviction ‘set aside.’ When a conviction is set aside, the court officially dismisses the judgment of guilt, and your record will show as being “set aside.” While not the same as expungement, this can make a significant difference in employment and housing applications.

In addition, Arizona now allows individuals to file a Petition to Seal their criminal records under A.R.S. § 13-911. If the petition is granted, the record is sealed from public view, meaning landlords, employers, and most private entities will no longer be able to see it in background checks. This law applies to many non-violent felony and misdemeanor convictions, as well as arrests that did not result in charges.

The story of Christian Watts illustrates just how critical record sealing can be. In 2002, Watts was convicted of a misdemeanor drug possession charge. Though he served no jail time, the conviction followed him for years—blocking job opportunities, access to housing, and his ability to move forward.

His case received national attention as an example of how even a low-level offense can carry lifelong collateral consequences. The availability of record-sealing laws today gives people like Watts a chance to rebuild their lives, free from the stigma of a decades-old conviction.

To determine your eligibility and maximize your chances of success, it’s critical to work with a criminal defense attorney. Your attorney can assess your record, advise you on the best legal options, and file the necessary paperwork to petition for a set-aside or to seal your record.

At Molina Law Group, we help clients clear or seal their criminal records and reclaim their futures. If your criminal history is holding you back, contact us today for a confidential consultation. We’ll review your case and guide you through every step of the process to pursue the relief you deserve.