Free Expungement Help in Arizona

Reviewed: May 28, 2026

Arizona is actually one of the most accessible states for record relief, but few people know it. The Set Aside (ARS 13-905) costs nothing to file, requires no attorney, and is available for most convictions after the sentence is completed. It doesn't erase the record, but it marks the conviction "Set Aside" — which tells employers the court has granted relief. For marijuana convictions, Prop 207 adds petition-based expungement that is also fee-free. The Arizona Justice Project has deep expertise in the more complex cases.

At a glance

✓ Arizona Set Aside (ARS 13-905) is completely free to file — no court fee required
✓ Arizona record sealing (ARS 13-911, effective Jan 2023) hides conviction from public background checks
✓ Prop 207 marijuana expungement is fee-free — file petition at court of conviction
✓ Community Legal Services AZ (clsaz.org) covers Maricopa; Southern AZ Legal Aid covers Tucson area
✓ Arizona Justice Project (azjusticeproject.org) handles complex post-conviction relief statewide

Important: This page provides general legal information about expungement and record sealing laws. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. Eligibility rules vary by state, county, and individual circumstances. Always consult a licensed attorney before taking any legal action.

Arizona Set Aside — free and accessible

Arizona's Set Aside (ARS 13-905) is free to file — there is no court filing fee. You file the Application to Set Aside Conviction at the court of conviction, and the court considers whether to grant the Set Aside after the sentence is completed. A Set Aside vacates the judgment of guilt and dismisses the charges, but the conviction can still appear on background checks marked as "Set Aside." For most private employers, this is effectively similar to dismissal. Arizona also has record sealing under ARS 13-911 (effective January 2023), which hides the record entirely from most public databases — more powerful than a Set Aside but requires a waiting period after discharge.

Arizona Prop 207 marijuana expungement

Proposition 207 (legalized in 2020) allows people with qualifying marijuana convictions to petition for expungement. The process is fee-free and the petition is filed at the court of conviction. It is not fully automatic — you must file the petition. The process is straightforward, and Southern Arizona Legal Aid and Community Legal Services can assist.

Free legal aid in Arizona

Community Legal Services Arizona (clsaz.org) is the primary legal aid organization for Maricopa County (Phoenix area) and covers Set Aside, sealing, and Prop 207 marijuana expungement cases for income-qualifying residents. Southern Arizona Legal Aid (sazlegalaid.org) covers Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Yuma counties — they accept expungement and Set Aside cases through their civil legal aid intake. Arizona Justice Project (azjusticeproject.org) specializes in complex post-conviction relief statewide. The Maricopa County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with affordable attorneys for complex cases.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Set Aside in Arizona and is it the same as expungement?

A Set Aside (ARS 13-905) vacates the judgment of guilt and dismisses the charges, but it does not seal the arrest record. Employers and background checks can still see the conviction — it will show as "Set Aside" rather than a conviction. Arizona also has sealing under ARS 13-911, which hides the record from public access. Sealing is more powerful than Set Aside.

Is Arizona marijuana expungement automatic?

Prop 207 allows people with qualifying marijuana convictions to petition for expungement. It is not fully automatic — you must file the petition with the court. The process is straightforward and fee-free. Southern Arizona Legal Aid and Community Legal Services can help with the petition.

What is the difference between Set Aside and sealing in Arizona?

A Set Aside (ARS 13-905) vacates the judgment but leaves the conviction visible on background checks, marked "Set Aside." Sealing (ARS 13-911, effective January 2023) hides the conviction from most public databases and employer background checks — it is a stronger remedy but requires a waiting period after discharge.

Find an expungement attorney in Arizona

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