Free Expungement Help in Arizona
Last reviewed: May 27, 2026 · Resource links checked: 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 automatic expungement. The Arizona Justice Project has deep expertise in the more complex cases.
Quick answer: free expungement help in Arizona
In Arizona, free expungement help may be available through nonprofit legal aid, local clinics, court fee waivers, and eligibility screening programs. Start with the verified organizations below, then confirm whether your court costs or filing fees can be waived.
⚠️ 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.
Who should start with free legal aid?
Start here if money is the barrier
Legal aid is usually the best first step if filing fees, attorney fees, or document costs would stop you from pursuing expungement or sealing. Most programs screen by income, household size, case type, and county.
Use clinics for screening
Expungement clinics are especially useful when you are not sure whether the record qualifies. Bring your case number and disposition so a clinic can tell you whether to file, wait, or use another remedy.
Use fee waivers for court costs
A fee waiver does not guarantee expungement, but it can remove the court filing cost. Ask the clerk or legal aid intake whether your state uses an indigency affidavit, in forma pauperis form, or fee waiver.
Use an attorney for complex records
If you have multiple counties, felonies, pending charges, immigration concerns, licensing issues, or a denied petition, ask legal aid whether you need full representation instead of brief advice.
Documents to gather before calling legal aid
- Government ID and current contact information.
- Case number, arrest date, charge, county, and court name.
- Certified disposition or docket sheet showing how the case ended.
- Proof that probation, parole, fines, fees, or restitution are complete, if applicable.
- Recent proof of income or public benefits if the organization screens by income.
- A short explanation of why you need the record cleared: work, housing, licensing, school, immigration, or family stability.
Verified free legal aid organizations in Arizona
Every organization below is a nonprofit, government-affiliated, law-school, court, or bar-backed resource. Resource links were browser-checked on May 28, 2026, but clinic schedules and eligibility rules change. Always confirm details directly with the organization before relying on a date, income limit, or service area.
- Community Legal Services Arizona
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
- Arizona Justice Project
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
- Southern Arizona Legal Aid
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
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 local legal aid offices, clinics, bar-backed programs, and reentry resources.
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.
Verify clinic dates and eligibility directly with the listed organization. ExpungeReady does not operate these programs.
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.
Verify clinic dates and eligibility directly with the listed organization. ExpungeReady does not operate these programs.
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.
What if you do not qualify for free help?
If legal aid cannot take your case, you may still have options: file on your own, request a fee waiver, wait for automatic Clean Slate sealing, or consult a licensed attorney for a paid eligibility review. ExpungeReady currently has Arizona attorney listings you can compare.