How Long Does a Misdemeanor Stay on Your Record in Arizona?
How Long Does a Misdemeanor Stay on Your Record in Arizona?
In Arizona, both misdemeanor and felony convictions remain on your record until the age of 99. However, Arizona law permits individuals to petition the court to set aside certain qualifying convictions, effectively lessening their impact. While this action does not entirely remove the conviction from your criminal record, it can help mitigate its effects on your life. Our in-depth guide explores the process of setting aside convictions in Arizona, covering eligibility criteria, necessary steps, and the potential benefits of successfully navigating this legal option to better manage your criminal record.
Welcome to Chelle Law Firm’s blog! As a leading criminal defense law firm in Scottsdale, Arizona, we are dedicated to providing accurate and informative content on various legal subjects. In this post, we will discuss the duration of a misdemeanor on your record in Arizona, the potential impact on your life, and the available options to clear your record.
Duration of a Misdemeanor on Your Record in Arizona
In Arizona, a misdemeanor conviction remains on your criminal record indefinitely unless you take legal action to have it removed. This means that a misdemeanor conviction can continue to affect your life long after you have completed your sentence and moved on from the incident.
The Impact of a Misdemeanor on Your Record
Having a misdemeanor on your record can have various negative consequences, including:
- Difficulty finding employment: Many employers conduct background checks and may be hesitant to hire someone with a criminal record.
- Trouble securing housing: Landlords often perform background checks as well, and a misdemeanor conviction can make it difficult to find suitable housing.
- Loss of professional licenses: Certain professions require professional licenses, which can be impacted by a misdemeanor conviction.
- Difficulty obtaining loans: Financial institutions may view applicants with criminal records as high-risk borrowers, making it harder to secure loans.
Options for Clearing Your Record in Arizona
In Arizona, there are two primary options for addressing a misdemeanor conviction on your record:
- Set Aside: As mentioned in our previous blog post, setting aside a conviction effectively “erases” the conviction from your record for most purposes. Eligibility for setting aside a misdemeanor conviction depends on the nature of the offense and completion of all terms and conditions of your sentence.
- Expungement: While Arizona does not have a traditional expungement process, recent changes to Arizona law under HB 2067 have introduced a “judicial expungement” option. This option allows for the permanent sealing of your criminal record under specific circumstances. To qualify, the offense must have been committed before you turned 25, and certain conditions must be met.
How Chelle Law Firm Can Help
Clearing a misdemeanor from your record in Arizona can be a complex process, requiring the guidance of an experienced attorney. Chelle Law’s expertise in criminal defense ensures strong legal representation for those accused of crimes in Scottsdale.
Our team will assess your case, determine your eligibility for setting aside or expunging your conviction, and guide you through every step of the process.
