Arizona Criminal Record Relief — Second Chances Start Here

Clear Your Record. Reclaim Your Future.

A criminal record shouldn’t define the rest of your life. At Burns, Nickerson & Taylor, PLC,
we help clients overcome the long-term consequences of past arrests or convictions — restoring
eligibility for jobs, housing, professional licensing, and financial opportunity.

Arizona now offers powerful tools for rebuilding your future. Our experienced attorneys can help you identify which options you qualify for and guide you through the process from start to finish.

Arizona Criminal Record Relief Options

Sealing Criminal Records

(A.R.S. § 13-911 — Effective 2023)

Record sealing is one of the strongest relief options under Arizona law.

What sealing does:

  • Removes your records from public access
  • Allows you to legally say the arrest or conviction never happened (with limited
  • exceptions)
  • Stops employers and landlords from seeing the record in background checks
  • Restores privacy and peace of mind

Eligibility:

  • All terms of sentencing completed
  • Statutory waiting period passed (2–10 years depending on the offense)
  • Offense is not within the excluded categories
  • This option significantly improves employment and housing opportunities.

Misdemeanor Expungement

(A.R.S. § 13-912 — Effective Jan. 1, 2026)

Arizona’s new expungement law allows many misdemeanor convictions to be fully expunged,
not just sealed.

If granted:

  • Your conviction is vacated
  • Your records are sealed
  • You may legally deny the arrest or conviction on most applications

Not eligible:

  • Domestic violence misdemeanors
  • Sexual offenses
  • DUI
  • Misdemeanors tied to felony conduct

This is the most complete form of relief Arizona offers.

Certificate of Second Chance

(A.R.S. § 13-905)

A Certificate of Second Chance can reduce barriers that would otherwise prevent you from
obtaining many professional licenses.

Benefits include:

  • Helps restore eligibility for professional and occupational licensing
  • Shows employers you completed all sentencing requirements
  • Helps remove certain civil barriers to employment

Ideal for:

  • Clients who need relief for licensing or employment but who may not yet qualify for full record sealing.

Why Clients Choose Us


✔ Over 30 years of Arizona criminal law experience
✔ Deep knowledge of new second-chance statutes
✔ Thorough eligibility screening
✔ Professional preparation of petitions & supporting evidence
✔ Skilled courtroom advocacy

We help clients minimize the long-term consequences of criminal records and reclaim
opportunities for employment, licensing, and personal growth.

Take Control of Your Future Today


A better life is possible — and it starts with a conversation.

Call Burns, Nickerson & Taylor, PLC today to schedule your confidential consultation.
We’ll help you understand your options and map a clear path toward a fresh start.