Free Expungement Help in Arizona
Last reviewed: May 27, 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 automatic expungement. The Arizona Justice Project has deep expertise in the more complex cases.
⚠️ Clean Slate / Automatic Sealing
No automatic program statewide, but ARS 13-905 Set Aside has no filing fee and Prop 207 marijuana expungement is fee-free.
How to get a fee waiver in Arizona
Set Aside is already fee-free. Sealing petition fee waivers available with Application for Deferral of Court Fees (Form 8).
Fee waivers (also called Affidavit of Indigency or In Forma Pauperis petition) are typically available if your household income is at or below 125–200% of the federal poverty level, or if you currently receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or veterans benefits based on need.
Verified free legal aid organizations in Arizona
Every organization below is a verified non-profit or government-affiliated legal aid program. None are paid services. Always confirm your eligibility directly with the organization.
Free expungement help by city in Arizona
Free expungement resources vary significantly by metro area. Here's what's available in the largest cities, including clinic schedules and local contacts.
Phoenix / Maricopa County
Community Legal Services covers Maricopa and La Paz counties. They handle Set Aside and sealing petitions as well as Prop 207 marijuana expungement for clients who need help navigating the process.
Tucson / Pima County
Southern Arizona Legal Aid covers Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Yuma counties. They accept expungement and Set Aside cases through their civil legal aid intake.
Arizona free expungement — 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.
More Arizona expungement resources
- Complete Arizona expungement guide → — eligibility, process, statutes, and timelines
- How much does expungement cost? (state-by-state)
- What shows up on a background check after expungement?
- ← All states: free expungement help directory