IMPORTANCE OF GETTING YOUR CRIMINAL CONVICTION OFF YOUR RECORD

In many criminal cases, the end result is some type of conviction. This could be a misdemeanor or a felony conviction. You may have completed all the requirements of the court and terms of any probationary period. Seems your all done and have finally put it all behind you. Yet, a conviction still remains. Don't assume that this conviction just falls by the wayside. In some instances, this may occur. So it is important to discuss the consequences of your conviction with the Court and your attorney prior to your case concluding. Why is this so important? The obvious is that nobody wants an ugly conviction following them through their life. But practically speaking, this can affect your job, your voting rights, your right to possess firearms, housing, and your ability to find employment.  Also, the State could use your conviction against you if you committed another criminal offense. Therefore, getting rid of your conviction should be of high importance to you.

ARIZONA LAWS ALLOW SOME CONVICTIONS TO BE SET ASIDE AND RECORDS SEALED

A.R.S. 13-911 would allow you to get your conviction set aside, and restore your rights. In some cases, you can have your entire record sealed. The statute requires that your probation and/or your terms of your sentence to be completed which may include restitution. You or your attorney can file motions with the Court to vacate your conviction and restore your rights. This may include voting rights and your ability to possess firearms. It is important to note that there are specific waiting periods to apply for your restoration of rights or to vacate your judgement of guilt. The higher the level of felony, the longer the waiting period. (e.g. 5 years for class 2-6 felonies, 3 years for misdemeanors). The law appears to be moving more favorably to allowing more cases to be sealed and allowing EXPUNGEMENT of your conviction. This is also referred to vacating your judgment of guilt.

MOVING ON AFTER YOUR CONVICTION

Its hard to move on after getting a criminal conviction, but there is hope. Seems the past keeps holding you down. Yet, there is relief available. It is of vital importance to know your rights. This includes whether or not your conviction can be expunged. Also, what is the time limit to file. The sooner you know your rights and act, the sooner the dark cloud of your conviction which hangs over you can be gone. In the meantime, ensure all the requirements of the Court are satisfied and put yourself in a good position to the Court and the State to have success in expunging your record and even sealing it. Then your conviction will be a thing of the past. Ensure that you stay up to date on the laws as these often change. Sometimes for your benefit. Life does move on after a criminal conviction. Yet, life moves on easier once your conviction is vacated or expunged and your record no longer shows that life mistake.