top of page

This is public information and official forms. We have tried to gather the most useful info and links for our AZ Community seeking Rights and Restoration after convictions.

 *You must file with the correct court. For legal advice, visit a local clinic. And make sure to check out free legal help events at the library!

* Individuals interested in obtaining assistance from the Pima County Public Defense Services Legal Clinic should complete the following form.

Access Legal Clinic Form

​​​​For in more person assistance see our Legal Assistance page for organizations to contact

​Getting your official documents is the most critical first step. You will need them for almost everything, including applying for jobs, securing housing, and accessing benefits. If possible, begin this process at least one year before your release date, but if you haven’t - don’t worry! - There’s still time!

●    Verification of Incarceration Your facility or PO can provide a document that verifies you were incarcerated. Download Absolute Discharge Form

●    Birth Certificate You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate, which has a state seal and is signed by the county registrar. To get one, you'll need to mail a request form the county clerk's office in the county where you were born. You can also go to usa.gov to find a list of county clerk offices in your state of birth.

  • The Homeless ID Project empowers individuals and families experiencing homelessness to rebuild their lives by providing access to replacement identification documents required to obtain housing, employment, and other vital services. ▪They host frequent free events at the library and assist with applications for birth certificates in all 50 states, US territories and those born abroad in addition to assistance with State IDs and Driver's Licenses.

  • VoteRiders is an organization that helps people obtain a driver’s license or State ID for free. They frequently host ID assistance events at several libraries around town through out the year. ▪They help people get the ID they need to cast a ballot that counts. All service are FREE of charge and they pay for ID/Drivers License, Birth Certificate, and or Social Security Card. They can also provide transportation to government offices to complete the process (in areas where rideshare is available). And if needed they provide a mailing address if you do not currently have a place to receive mail.▪Services available to US citizens 16 or older and those impacted by the criminal justice system. If you can't stop in for one of their clinics, please call or text 1 (866) ID 2 VOTE or 1 (866) 432-8683.https://www.voteriders.org/freehelp/

Rights & Restoration

Clear Your Path: Records, Rights & Free Legal Help

Seal Your Criminal Case Records (A.R.S. §13-911)

SEALED (1).png

What it does (plain language):​

If a judge grants your petition, your arrest/charge/court records become sealed from public view. Some agencies can still see them, but they won’t show up in most public searches.

​

Who can petition:

  • You were convicted and finished all parts of your sentence (including all money owed), or

  • Your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, or

  • You were arrested but no charges were filed.

​​

Where to file:

  • Conviction: file in the court that convicted you.

  • Dismissed/not guilty: file in the court where the case was filed (if it started in Justice Court and moved up, file in Superior Court).

  • Arrest only (no case): file in Superior Court in the county where you were arrested (unless you had an initial appearance—then file there).

  • What to gather:
    Your full name(s), DOB, address/email, case number(s) if any, when/where it happened, and whether you completed your sentence and paid all fines/fees/restitution.

Expunge Marijuana-Related Records (A.R.S. §36-2862)

EXPUNGE TRANS (1).png

What it does:​

 For certain marijuana offenses, the court can expunge (remove) the record under this law.

You may qualify if your case involved (one case per petition):

  • Possessing/consuming/transporting ≤2.5 oz marijuana (up to 12.5 g concentrate)

  • Up to six plants for personal use at your primary home

  • Personal-use paraphernalia
     

Where to file:

  • If your arrest went to court: file in the same court that handled the case (Municipal/Justice/Superior/Juvenile).

  • If your arrest never went to court and you want police records only expunged: file in Superior Court in the county of arrest.

  • What to gather:
    Your name(s), DOB, address/email, arresting agency, and any case number. Optional but helpful: complaint, sentencing document, lab report, DPS/FBI record extract.

​

Restore Civil Rights (after a federal felony)

restore civil rights trans.png

What it does:​

 Restoration of Civil Rights means that a person who has been convicted of a felony may have any civil rights (e.g., right to vote, and serve on a jury), which were lost or suspended by the felony conviction, restored.Apply in Arizona Superior Court to restore civil rights after a federal felony (e.g., voting—remember to re-register after restoration).

​

What to gather:

  • Proof of absolute discharge from the Federal Bureau of Prisons

  • Copies of key federal documents (indictment/complaint, plea, sentencing/discharge)

  • Proof you notified the federal prosecutor

  • One application per case

You are eligible to restore your rights in Arizona if you meet the following criteria:

  • You have Arizona or Federal Convictions.*

  • You have waited at least two (2) years after being released from prison.

  • You have fulfilled the conditions of your probation or sentence, including any period of parole/community supervision. (This waiting period applies only to civil rights restoration; applying to vacate a conviction has no additional waiting period.)

  • You have proof showing you have tried to pay fines and restitution.

​​

*If your convictions are from out-of-state, please contact the Superior Court in the county of your conviction to find out how the rights restoration process works in that state.

 Free & Low-Cost Legal Help (Pima County)

Copy of LOGO (2).png

Pima County Public Defense Services Legal Clinic

* Individuals interested in obtaining assistance from the Pima County Public Defense Services Legal Clinic should complete the following form.

Access Legal Clinic Form  If you do not have access to or are unable to use the link above, you may call 520-724-2285. Please note that submitting the form will result in a substantially faster response.

​

The Public Defense Services Department of Pima County offers a free legal clinic to assist individuals who are seeking legal services to address charges, cases, or convictions from within Pima County.

Services that clients may be eligible for include:

  • Sealing a felony criminal record

  • Restoring civil rights or setting aside a felony conviction

  • Restoring gun rights

  • Waiving or reducing outstanding fines and fees

  • Designating an undesignated Class 6 conviction as a misdemeanor

  • Expunging marijuana-related felony convictions

  • Resolving and quashing warrants for having absconded (failure to report or participate) from Pima County Probation on a felony matter, or for misdemeanor warrants arising out of the Justice Court or any of the municipal courts

Bring: be prepared to provide as much of the following information as possible:

  • Your full legal first, middle, and last name, including any suffixes, and any previous names used at the time of your case

  • Your date of birth

  • Your case number(s) and the name(s) of the associated court(s)

  • The type of relief you are seeking

Cases will be screened for eligibility. Individuals will be contacted if they are ineligible for the requested services, or they will be contacted by an attorney if they qualify.

Tip: If you think you have a warrant or license suspension from a Pima Justice Court case, ask about filing a Criminal Motion (to Quash Warrant / Lift Suspension). Criminal Motion (Quash/Lift)

bottom of page