A criminal record in Arizona can follow you long after the case is over. Even if the charges were dismissed, you were found not guilty, or no formal charges were ever filed, the record may still appear in background checks. That can create problems with employment, housing, school, professional licensing, loans, and your reputation.
‍
At Diaz Law, attorney Hector Diaz helps clients in Scottsdale understand their options for sealing or expunging their criminal record. Diaz Law provides direct, bilingual guidance so clients can take the right steps toward protecting their future.

Contact Diaz Law for a free consultation to discuss your arrest record, criminal case history, or conviction and find out whether you may qualify for record sealing or expungement in Arizona.

Can You Seal an Arrest Record in Arizona?

Arizona now allows eligible people to petition the court to seal certain criminal case records. Under A.R.S. § 13-911, a person who was arrested, charged, convicted, or sentenced may be able to ask the court to seal records connected to the case. Arizona’s record sealing law became available beginning December 31, 2022.

This may apply if:

You were arrested, but charges were never filed
Your charges were dismissed
You were found not guilty at trial
You were convicted, completed the sentence, and the required waiting period has passed
You have not had a record sealing petition denied within the past three years

If the court grants the petition, the person may generally state on employment, housing, financial aid, or loan applications that they have not been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of the sealed offense.

There are exceptions, so it’s important to understand what sealing can and cannot do before filing.

Diaz Law helps clients review their case history, determine eligibility, prepare the petition, and address issues that could affect whether the court grants the request.

What Is the Difference Between Sealing, Expungement, and Setting Aside a Conviction?

An order of protection is different from an injunction against harassment. Orders of protection usually involve domestic violence concerns or a qualifying relationship, while injunctions against harassment may apply when that relationship does not exist. Diaz Law can help you understand which option fits your situation.

Record Sealing

Record sealing can limit public access to records related to an arrest, charge, conviction, or sentence. This can help reduce the impact of a criminal record during key parts of daily life.

Sealing doesn’t necessarily destroy every record or make the case disappear from every place it may have been published. However, it can provide meaningful relief for eligible people who want to move forward without a public criminal record continuing to affect their opportunities.

Marijuana Expungement

Arizona allows expungement for certain marijuana-related offenses under A.R.S. § 36-2862. This is a specific form of relief that applies to eligible marijuana arrests, charges, convictions, adjudications, or sentences.

Set Aside

A set aside does not erase the record. Instead, it shows that the conviction has been formally set aside after the person completes the sentence. This may still be valuable, especially when someone wants to show rehabilitation and completion of court requirements.

Diaz Law can help determine which option fits the client’s situation and whether more than one type of relief should be considered.

Why People Choose Diaz Law for Record Sealing and Expungement

A person seeking record relief is often trying to protect their future, reputation, and opportunities. The process should be handled carefully because an incomplete or incorrect petition can delay the result or invalidate it completely.

Diaz Law helps clients get clarity. Attorney Hector Diaz works directly with clients and provides steady guidance through a process that can feel confusing. Clients are never left wondering what option applies, what records are involved, or what steps come next.

People choose Diaz Law for record sealing and expungement because of:

Direct representation from Hector Diaz
Bilingual communication in English and Spanish
Experience with Scottsdale and Maricopa County criminal cases
Clear guidance on sealing, expungement, and set aside options
Careful review of eligibility before filing
A reputation-focused approach to criminal defense and record relief
Help to protect employment, licensing, housing, and future opportunities

Diaz Law understands that a criminal record can create collateral consequences long after the case ends. Job loss, licensing issues, immigration concerns, media exposure, and a permanent criminal record can all affect someone’s life.

Record relief may not solve every problem, but for eligible clients, it can be an important step toward moving forward.

Contact a Scottsdale Seal Arrest & Expungement Attorney

A criminal record doesn’t always have to remain public forever. If you have a criminal record in Arizona, you may be eligible to seal your record, set aside a conviction, or pursue expungement for an eligible marijuana offense.

Diaz Law provides direct, bilingual representation for clients in Scottsdale and throughout Maricopa County. Attorney Hector Diaz can review your record, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward protecting your future.

Contact Diaz Law today to schedule your free consultation and take that next step toward a better future.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Diaz Law team is licensed to practice law in Arizona. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Legal Disclaimer

Frequently Asked Questions About Record Sealing and Expungement in Scottsdale

Can I seal an arrest record in Arizona if I was never charged?

You are not required to have an attorney, but legal guidance can help you prepare a clearer petition. The court needs to understand what happened, why protection is being requested, and what terms may be needed.

Can I seal my record if my charges were dismissed?

Read the order carefully and follow its terms. Do not contact the protected person if the order prohibits contact. If you disagree with the order, Diaz Law can help you understand whether requesting a hearing may be appropriate.

Is expungement the same as sealing in Arizona?

It can create practical issues involving children, exchanges, communication, or access to certain locations. If children are involved, it is important to understand how the order applies before making decisions.

Does a set aside erase my conviction?

Do not assume you are allowed to respond. If an order limits your contact, responding could still create legal problems. Review the order and speak with an attorney before taking action.

Can I seal a misdemeanor conviction in Arizona?

It may appear in some court record searches or background reviews, depending on the type of search being performed. An order of protection is not the same as a criminal conviction, but it can still create concerns involving reputation, employment, or related legal matters.

Can I seal a felony conviction in Arizona?

Yes, the court may be able to change or dismiss an order after a hearing. The outcome depends on the facts and evidence, and on whether the judge believes the order should remain in place.

What marijuana offenses can be expunged in Arizona?