Arizona Marijuana Expungement: An Overview

Arizona has a progressive policy regarding marijuana use, with the state becoming the 15th in the country to legalize recreational marijuana use in November 2020. However, prior to this legalization, many individuals were convicted of marijuana-related crimes that would now be considered legal. As a result, there is a growing interest in marijuana expungement in Arizona.

Expungement refers to the process of sealing or destroying criminal records, effectively wiping the slate clean for individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes. In the case of marijuana offenses, expungement is a crucial step towards ensuring that individuals with minor drug offenses are not unfairly burdened by the criminal justice system for actions that are now legal.

Eligibility for Marijuana Expungement in Arizona

In Arizona, individuals who were convicted of marijuana offenses that are now legal may be eligible for expungement. This includes individuals convicted of possession of marijuana for personal use, as well as those convicted of marijuana-related offenses such as cultivation.

The Process of Marijuana Expungement in Arizona

The process of marijuana expungement in Arizona begins with an application to the court. This application must include information about the incident, including the specific marijuana offenses for which they are seeking expungement.

Once the application is filed, the court will review it and make a determination on the individual’s eligibility for expungement. If the court determines that the individual is eligible, it will either set a contested hearing or grant an order of expungement, which will erase the individual’s criminal records related to the marijuana offenses.

The Benefits of Marijuana Expungement in Arizona

Marijuana expungement in Arizona provides a number of benefits for individuals with minor drug offenses. For starters, having a criminal record for a marijuana-related offense can make it difficult for individuals to find employment or housing. Expunging or destroying these records through expungement can help remove this burden and improve the individual’s chances of securing employment and housing.

Expungement can also have a positive impact on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. Carrying the stigma of a criminal record can be a source of stress and anxiety, and expungement can help reduce this stress by providing individuals with a fresh start.

Having a felony marijuana conviction expunged can also restore your civil rights, including firearm rights.

Conclusion

Arizona’s legalization of recreational marijuana use has created a need for marijuana expungement, as individuals with minor drug offenses are unfairly burdened by the criminal justice system for actions that are now legal. Eligibility for expungement can be determined by an experienced criminal attorney. The process of expungement involves filing an application with the court, which will then determine the individual’s eligibility and grant an order of expungement if appropriate. The benefits of marijuana expungement in Arizona include improved employment and housing opportunities, as well as reduced stress and anxiety.

At Millar Law, we have handled numerous marijuana expungements statewide. Contact us today to find out if you qualify to have your criminal marijuana record erased from your record- 602-900-0545.