Looking to clear your record or restore your rights in Arizona?
Get Expungement Restoration Legal Help in AZ
If you have been convicted of a crime in the state of Arizona, you could face a loss of your civil rights, including your right to bear arms. When these situations arise, it is only natural to wonder if there is a way to expunge a felony in Arizona. The Valley Law Group’s team of dedicated criminal defense attorneys can offer you an honest assessment of your chances of achieving an expungement or another route to having your civil rights restored.
The state of Arizona has long upheld laws that established the right of individuals to set aside their criminal records. However, as of December 2022, new laws have been enacted which allow even more individuals convicted of certain criminal acts to petition the courts for an expungement. This gives more people an opportunity to live a new life following a conviction and rebuilds the reputation and rights they enjoyed before criminal penalties.
At The Valley Law Group, our expungement and rights restoration attorneys are here to protect your constitutional rights and help you explore the options available to you to clear your criminal record. From the restoration of gun rights to the restoration of Arizona civil rights, our firm is dedicated to helping you get your life back on track.
Why Choose Our Expungement and Rights Restoration Attorneys?
If you find yourself seeking an expungement in Arizona, your first step should be to select an attorney who can argue your case and advocate for your interests before a court. Our team of professional and dedicated lawyers can thoroughly review your case for expungement and rights restoration opportunities and counsel you regarding the best course of action to take. We can ensure that every step of the expungement process is fulfilled correctly and in a timely manner so that you can focus on rebuilding your life following your criminal conviction.
At The Valley Law Group, our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys have a proven track record of successful expungement and rights restoration cases. Re-establishing your freedoms and securing the restoration of your firearm rights and many other civil rights are our priorities. However, it is essential that you do not waste time seeking legal counsel. The timely intervention of a competent and effective criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference in your expungement or rights restoration efforts.
Understanding Expungement and Rights Restoration in Arizona
Navigating the legal world of expungement and rights restoration in Arizona can be extremely complex, especially for individuals who are not familiar with the process or the Arizona criminal justice system. You might wonder how to get a record expunged in Arizona or whether restoration of 2nd amendment rights to felons is even possible.
The Valley Law Group is pleased to offer some clarification regarding the types of expungement and rights restoration cases we can handle.
Our team of attorneys is highly versed in these matters and the unique set of laws involved.
Expungement of Criminal Records
This is the legal process of sealing or erasing certain criminal records. Expungement makes these records inaccessible to the public and, in some unique cases, inaccessible to government bodies. This process allows individuals with felony convictions to move forward without the stigma that resulted from their past convictions.
Restoration of Civil Rights
The legal process of the restoration of civil rights offers a reinstatement of rights that might have been lost to a criminal conviction, including your rights to vote, the right to hold public office, the right to serve on a jury, and the right to possess and bear firearms.
Pardon
This is defined as a process in which the government makes a decision to forgive an individual for a convicted crime and eliminates any remaining penalties or punishments. Pardon is typically granted by a head of state or government, such as a state governor, as they are an individual who can represent forgiveness for the offense committed.
When Arizona courts consider whether to grant an expungement or otherwise set aside an individual’s criminal record, the authorities involved will weigh several factors before making a determination.
These factors typically include the following:
- What type of offense was committed
- How long ago the offense took place
- How long ago the conviction occurred
- What the sentence consisted of, such as fines, probation, or jail time
- The individual’s character and commitment or contributions to the community
- Whether the individual has fully complied and cooperated with their sentence and has completed all its required terms
However, it is important to keep in mind that not all individuals with a criminal record are eligible to seek an expungement and restoration of their rights. This is why it is vital to speak with a criminal defense attorney who can thoroughly review your case and determine whether you qualify to pursue this legal process. The skilled expungement attorneys at The Valley Law Group will examine your case details and determine your eligibility before we begin to guide you through the expungement process.
Our Comprehensive Expungement and Rights Restoration Services
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
The process will begin with an initial meeting to review the details of your original conviction and determine your eligibility for an expungement or rights restoration. We will listen to your side of the story when it comes to your original conviction and assess any evidence that accompanies it. This will enable our attorneys to determine whether you qualify to pursue this legal process.
Expungement of Criminal Records
We will then turn our attention to the actions necessary to seal or erase your criminal records. This can be a long and arduous process, but take heart in knowing that we will be there with you every step of the way. When your records are expunged, they will be inaccessible to the public, any potential employers, and, in some cases, certain government bodies.
Restoration of Civil Rights
During this step, we will guide you through the process of restoring your civil rights, such as the right to vote, hold public office, serve on a jury, or bear and possess firearms. We understand that these rights are of the utmost importance to you; therefore, they are important to us. We will work diligently to pursue legal avenues to ensure these rights are restored.
Pardon Applications
If necessary, we can guide you in navigating the process of applying for a pardon. A pardon can eliminate any remaining punishments or penalties and restore your civil rights.
Post-Expungement Support
At The Valley Law Group, our care doesn’t stop once an expungement has been granted. We will continue to assist you through any additional steps that follow your expungement and rights restoration. These steps might include updating background checks or ensuring that your records are properly sealed.
The Legal Process for Expungement and Rights Restoration
Determining Eligibility
First, you and your attorney will determine whether or not you are eligible for expungement or rights restoration. It is important that you are honest and open with your attorney during this step. Your attorney will examine the details of your conviction and the terms of your sentence and offer their opinion on your eligibility.
Obtain a Copy of Your Criminal Record
If your attorney determines that you qualify to pursue an expungement or restoration of your rights, the next step is to obtain a copy of your criminal record. A review of this record serves as one final way of ensuring that you meet all the requirements before filing your petition.
Prepare Your Petition
Your attorney will prepare the paperwork to complete a petition for expungement. An experienced attorney can ensure these critical documents are prepared carefully, meticulously completed, and submitted on time.
File Your Petition
The next step is filing the petition with the necessary authorities. Typically, you will need to file the petition with the court where your past conviction took place or the appropriate state agency. It is essential that you complete this step with the assistance of your attorney to ensure the petition is filed in full, on time, and with the correct party.
Attend Your Hearing
You and your attorney will then attend your hearing for the expungement or restoration of your rights. Your attorney can present a solid argument that explains why you should receive an expungement and restoration of rights. At this time, it is important that you trust your attorney and exhibit calm and cooperation in court.
Post-Expungement Steps
Following the court’s judgment, an attorney can assist you in ensuring your rights are restored correctly or that your records are sealed in the proper manner.
Expungement and Rights Restoration Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us for a Personalized Consultation
If you or someone you love is seeking restoration of federal gun rights or an expungement of a criminal record, it is of utmost importance that you contact a skilled criminal defense lawyer. If you are considering filing for an expungement in the state of Arizona, the expungement and rights restoration team at The Valley Law Group is here to help. We can provide you with an honest assessment of your situation and then guide you through every step of the process. Call The Valley Law Group today to schedule your free and personalized consultation. Together, we can explore the restoration of your civil rights and help you get your life back on track.Client Testimonials
At The Valley Law Group, your freedoms and rights are our priority. We have worked with countless expungement and rights restoration clients and possess the tools and resources necessary to help you achieve success. From the initial consultation to the final decision, we will work with you to seek a positive outcome. As a result, you’ll experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the right people fighting for you.