Can You Seal a Criminal Case that was Dropped or Dismissed in Arizona?
Can You Seal a Criminal Case that was Dropped or Dismissed in Arizona?
Seal a criminal case in Arizona. If your criminal case in Arizona was dropped or dismissed, you might assume that the record disappears on its own. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Even when a case results in no conviction—because no charges were ever filed, the charges were dismissed, or you were found not guilty—your arrest and court involvement may still appear on public records and background checks.
This can be frustrating and unfair. After all, you weren’t convicted, so why should your name still be linked to a criminal record?
The good news: Arizona law now provides a solution. Thanks to ARS §13-911, individuals can petition the court to seal criminal records tied to cases that were dropped, dismissed, or ended in acquittal. At Clear My Record™, we help people move forward without their past dragging them down.
What Is Record Sealing Under ARS §13-911?
Record sealing allows eligible individuals to hide certain criminal records from public view. Once a court grants the petition, the record is no longer accessible to landlords, employers, or most background check agencies. The law even allows you, in most circumstances, to deny that you have ever been arrested, charged, or prosecuted for the sealed offense.
For people whose charges were dropped or dismissed, this can be life-changing as even a baseless arrest or a dismissed case can raise red flags on a background check. Sealing the record prevents that from happening.
Who Is Eligible to Seal a Dismissed or Dropped Case?
Under ARS 13-911, you are likely eligible to petition for record sealing if:
- You were arrested but never charged
- Your charges were dismissed
- You were found not guilty at trial
Every case is unique, and eligibility can sometimes depend on the specific facts of your case. The attorneys at Clear My Record™ can conduct an initial review of your case for free and help determine if you qualify.
What Happens After My Record is Sealed?
Once sealed, the record is no longer publicly accessible. That includes:
- Public Arizona state databases
- Most private background check services
- Employment and housing screenings
Even if your case was dismissed or dropped years ago, records of your arrest and court involvement may still exist. These records can appear on background checks and may cause employers or landlords to deny your application—especially if they don’t take the time to understand the context.
By sealing the record, you prevent that confusion from ever happening. It’s a clean break from a situation that never should’ve followed you to begin with.
Clear My Record™ Can Help
At Clear My Record™, our lawyers know how to use the law to your advantage. Our professionals understand the ins and outs of the record sealing process and how to present the strongest possible petition to the court. Whether your case was dismissed recently or years ago, Clear My Record™ is here to help you embrace a brighter future.
We’ll start with a free eligibility review and walk you through every step including gathering the necessary documents, filing your petition, and representing you in court, if needed.
Ready for a Clean Slate? Seal a Criminal Case in Arizona
If your Arizona criminal case was dropped or dismissed, don’t let it continue to limit your opportunities. Contact Clear My Record™ today and take the first step toward sealing your record and taking back your future.