This bill proposes significant updates to the current statutes regarding the expungement of misdemeanor records in Arizona. Under the new provisions, individuals arrested for a misdemeanor with no charges filed, those whose charges were dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict, and those convicted of a misdemeanor may petition the court for expungement after a specified waiting period. The bill establishes a three-year waiting period for most cases, extending to five years for specific offenses, and outlines the necessary components of the petition, including details about the petitioner's criminal history and any supporting recommendations.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for the court's handling of expungement petitions, including a mandatory waiting period before a decision can be made, conditions under which a petition may be denied, and the obligations of the court to notify relevant agencies of the expungement order. It also clarifies that expunged records cannot be used in future prosecutions and allows individuals to respond to inquiries as if the conviction did not exist, with certain exceptions for law enforcement employment. The bill explicitly excludes individuals convicted of specific serious offenses from eligibility for expungement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-922, 22-125, 8-348, 13-905, 13-1805, 13-3601, 13-901.03