You may have read about someone having their charges expunged. In this entry, we’ll talk about what that actually means.
Arizona law looks at expungement as “setting aside a judgment.” Having records set aside is akin to the offense or charge never having taking place, even if you did time for it.
Even though the court records will not be destroyed, the setting aside classification changes the decision text from “guilty” or “convicted” to “finding of guilt set aside” or “case dismissed.”
There are a host of reasons why you’d want to have your charges expunged.
For example, since most background checks only track convictions, those that have been expunged won’t be revealed in the search. Expunged charges also make it possible for you to vote and other things convicted felons aren’t able to do
No, there are a few exceptions, Among the things that will prevent charges from being expunged are:
It typically takes three (3) months for charges to be expunged in most Arizona counties.
To have your charges expunged, you must:
Sure, criminal charges are serious business but they shouldn’t ruin the rest of your life. The key is to learn from your mistakes and move on.
If you’ve been charged, make the smart move and partner with a skilled attorney who will put you in position for the best possible outcome.
For a free consultation, call Alex Lane at 480-776-5757.
If you have been charged with a DUI, drug charge, sex crime or any serious criminal offense, let an experienced defense team fight for you. Schedule a consultation with one of our partners today. Call (480) 562-3482 or send an email.