If you have a DUI conviction in Arizona, you may be wondering how to clear your record. The process to expunge a DUI in Arizona is not straightforward, but there are legal options available. At AZ DUI Pros, we focus on DUI defense and post-conviction relief, helping clients in Tucson and throughout Arizona restore their reputations.
Our attorneys at AZ DUI Pros are dedicated to guiding you through the process. If you want to know whether you qualify to expunge a DUI, contact us today at (602) 922-3755 to discuss your case.
How to Expunge a DUI in Arizona
1. Setting Aside a DUI Conviction (A.R.S. § 13-905)
Under A.R.S. § 13-905, individuals who have completed their sentences, probation, and fines can request the court to set aside their conviction. This process does not completely expunge a DUI, but it updates the record to reflect that the conviction was dismissed.
2. Sealing DUI Arrest Records (A.R.S. § 13-911)
If your DUI case was dismissed, resulted in an acquittal, or did not lead to a conviction, you can expunge a DUI arrest record by petitioning under A.R.S. § 13-911. This prevents most employers and landlords from accessing your DUI history.
3. Restoring Rights After a DUI
Certain DUI convictions, especially felonies, may strip you of civil rights, including gun ownership and voting rights. If you have completed your sentence, you can petition the court to restore these rights.
The Benefits of Expunging a DUI
If you are eligible to expunge a DUI, here are some of the advantages:
- Better Job Prospects – Many employers conduct background checks. A set-aside DUI makes you a more competitive job candidate.
- Improved Housing Opportunities – Landlords often check criminal records. Expunging a DUI may improve rental approvals.
- Peace of Mind – Clearing your record helps you move forward without a past mistake affecting your future.
- Restoring Civil Rights – If your DUI was a felony, setting it aside can help restore lost rights.
Hypothetical Scenarios for DUI Expungement
Scenario 1: First-Time DUI Offender Seeking Expungement
John, a Tucson resident, was convicted of a first-time misdemeanor DUI under A.R.S. § 28-1381. After a night out with friends, he mistakenly assumed he was sober enough to drive. Unfortunately, he was pulled over for swerving and failed a breathalyzer test. He was arrested and later convicted. The court sentenced him to probation, fines, and an alcohol education program. After completing all his requirements, John wanted to expunge a DUI to prevent it from affecting his future.
John worked in the medical field, and although his conviction was not a felony, it still appeared on background checks when he applied for higher-paying jobs. He reached out to AZ DUI Pros at (602) 922-3755 to explore his options. Our attorneys reviewed his case and determined he was eligible to file a petition under A.R.S. § 13-905.
The petition was submitted, and after a court hearing, the judge granted John’s request to set aside his conviction. This meant that while the DUI would still appear on his record, it would be marked as dismissed, which significantly improved his employment prospects. With this legal relief, John was finally able to move forward with his career without his past mistake holding him back.
Scenario 2: DUI Case Dismissed – Sealing Records
Maria was arrested for DUI in Tucson after a routine traffic stop. She had left a friend’s party, and although she believed she was under the legal limit, the officer suspected impairment and conducted field sobriety tests. She was arrested and charged with DUI under A.R.S. § 28-1381. However, when her attorney reviewed the case, it was discovered that the breathalyzer had not been calibrated properly, making the test results inadmissible in court. Due to this error, Maria’s case was dismissed before trial.
Even though Maria was never convicted, her arrest record remained accessible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards. She found this out the hard way when she applied for an apartment and was denied because her DUI arrest showed up in a background check. Frustrated and worried about how this would affect her future, she decided to contact AZ DUI Pros at (602) 922-3755 to see if she could expunge a DUI arrest record.
Our attorneys determined that Maria was eligible to file a petition under A.R.S. § 13-911 to seal her DUI arrest record. After filing the necessary paperwork and attending a court hearing, the judge approved her request. Once her record was sealed, Maria no longer had to worry about her DUI arrest interfering with job applications or housing opportunities.
How Long Does It Take to Expunge a DUI?
The time required to expunge a DUI in Arizona varies based on several factors:
- Case Complexity – More complex cases take longer.
- Court Backlogs – The Arizona court system may take weeks or months to process requests.
- Legal Assistance – Hiring an attorney can speed up the process.
DUI Expungement and Professional Licensing
If you have a DUI on your record, it may impact your ability to obtain or maintain a professional license in fields such as:
- Medical and Nursing Licenses
- Real Estate Licenses
- Teaching Certifications
- Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)
A set-aside DUI may improve your chances of keeping or obtaining a professional license. If you need to expunge a DUI for your career, call AZ DUI Pros at (602) 922-3755 today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I completely erase a DUI from my record in Arizona?
No. Arizona does not offer full expungement of DUI convictions, but you can set aside the conviction under A.R.S. § 13-905 or seal records under A.R.S. § 13-911.
2. How long do I have to wait before setting aside my DUI?
There is no required waiting period, but you must complete all sentencing requirements first.
3. Will a set-aside DUI still show on my record?
Yes, but it will show as dismissed, which is beneficial for employment and housing applications.
4. Does setting aside a DUI restore my gun rights?
Not automatically. You must file a separate petition for firearm rights restoration.
Relevant Arizona DUI Expungement Statutes
A.R.S. § 13-905 – Setting Aside Convictions
Allows individuals to request that a DUI conviction be set aside after fulfilling all sentencing terms.
A.R.S. § 13-911 – Sealing Arrest Records
If your DUI case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal, you can petition the court to seal your arrest record under this law.
A.R.S. § 28-1381 – DUI Offenses in Arizona
Defines DUI offenses and their penalties in Arizona, including first-time and felony DUIs.
Contact AZ DUI Pros for DUI Expungement Help
If you need to expunge a DUI in Tucson, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. At AZ DUI Pros, we focus on DUI defense and post-conviction relief to help you restore your record.
📞 Call us today at (602) 922-3755 to discuss your case and find out what options you have to expunge a DUI in Arizona!
