What is a Petition to Seal Criminal Case Records & what is the process?

  • What is a Petition to Seal Criminal Case Records & what is the process?
  • What does Sealing a criminal case mean?
  • If the court grants the petition under ARS § 13-911, the petitioner may be able to state on employment, housing, and financial aid or loan applications that they have never been arrested for, charged with or convicted of the crime that is the subject of the petition. There are numerous exceptions, please read the statute 13-911.5 A through K.
  • Does my case qualify?
  • Most criminal cases are eligible; however, the petitioner must have completed all terms of sentence and have waited the prescribed timeframe below since completion of sentence:
    • Ten years for a class 2 or 3 felony.
    • Five years for a class 4, class 5, or class 6 felony.
    • Three years for a class 1 misdemeanor.
    • Two years for a class 2 or 3 misdemeanor.
  • A person who is convicted of two or more offenses may not petition the court to seal the person's case records until the timeframe prescribed above has passed for each conviction.
  • Where can I locate the Petition to Seal Criminal case records?
  • The petition is located on the court's website or the petition may be obtained at the Scottsdale City Court. Form can be found here on our website.
  • Where do I file the Petition to Seal Criminal case records?
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Fax: (480) 312-2764
  • Mail/Dropbox: 3700 N. 75th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85251
  • What do I need to know prior to completing the Petition to Seal Criminal Case records?
  • Read ARS § 13-911 in its entirety before completing the petition. This petition is intended to help those who are seeking to seal a criminal case record under ARS § 13-911 and refers solely to the records that exist under the control of the courts, Department of Public Safety, Prosecutor's Office, and law enforcement agencies. Any case record that was published or distributed prior to sealing may still be accessible and may not be impacted by the granting of an order to seal case records.
  • Where can I find the information needed to fill out the petition to seal criminal case record?
  • How will I be notified of the ruling on my petition to seal criminal case records?
  • The Scottsdale City Court may set a Hearing concerning your Petition to Seal Case Records.
  • The Scottsdale City Court will mail a sealed copy of the order to the address listed on the petition as soon as it's processed.
  • How long before a ruling is made?
  • A ruling will not be made for at least 60 days unless the State and the Victim(s), if any, respond with no objection. However, there may delays on a ruling if the receipt of the DPS criminal history is delayed.