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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
criminal records sealed; petty offense
Purpose
Allows a person convicted of a petty offense to petition the court to seal the person's records of the offense immediately after completing all nonmonetary terms and conditions of the person's sentence.
Background
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; 2) charged with a criminal offense and the charge was subsequently dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict at a trial; or 3) arrested for a criminal offense and no charges were filed. At the time of sentencing, the court must inform the person on the record that the person may be eligible to petition the court for an order that seals all case records of the person's arrest, conviction and sentence and must provide this notice in writing. A person who was convicted of an offense may petition the court to seal the person's records of arrest, conviction and sentence after the person completes all nonmonetary terms and conditions of the person's sentence and the following period of time has passed since the person completed the conditions of probation or sentence and was discharged by the court: 1) 10 years for a class 2 or 3 felony; 2) 5 years for a class 4, 5 or 6 felony; 3) 3 years for a class 1 misdemeanor; and 4) 2 years for a class 2 or 3 misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-911).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows a person convicted of a petty offense to petition the court to seal the person's records relating to the offense immediately after the person completes all nonmonetary terms and conditions of the person's sentence and discharge from the court.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
JUD 2/11/26 DP 9-0-0-0
3rd Read 2/26/26 54-0-6
Prepared by Senate Research
March 16, 2026
ZD/KS/ci