Restore Your Rights In Arizona.
Reclaim Your Power.
At ADRC, we believe your past shouldn’t block your future. If democracy is for the people, it has to include you, fully and freely.
You deserve a second chance, and we’re here to help you get it.
What Is Rights Restoration?
In Arizona, people with felony convictions lose certain civil rights. But that loss doesn’t have to be permanent. Through a legal process called rights restoration, you can petition the court to reinstate:
Your right to vote
Your right to serve on a jury
Your right to hold public office
Your right to possess a firearm (in some cases)
Restoring your rights helps you reclaim your voice, not just in elections, but in your community and your future.
Relevant Law: A.R.S. § 13-907 and A.R.S. § 13-908 cover the restoration of civil rights.
A.R.S. § 13-905 addresses set-asides.
A.R.S. § 13-910 governs restoration of firearm rights.
Do You Qualify For Restored Rights?
Eligibility depends on your case, but here’s what you should know:
- If it’s your first felony conviction and you’ve completed your sentence, many rights are restored automatically (except the right to possess firearms).
- If you have two or more felony convictions, you’ll need to file a petition for rights restoration with the court.
- You must have completed all parts of your sentence, including probation, prison time, and any court-ordered restitution.
Not sure where you fall? We’ve got you. Our Free Legal Clinic can review your case and help you figure out what your next step should be.
Restoring your civil rights is more than paperwork. It’s about being seen, heard, and counted in the place you call home.
When you reclaim your rights, you can:
- Vote in elections that impact your community
- Serve on juries and shape the justice system
- Run for office or serve in leadership roles
- Access more opportunities with confidence
This is about your dignity, your voice, and your power. You’ve served your time, now let’s make sure your rights reflect that.
Why Restoring Your Rights Matters
Set-Asides & Certificates of Second Chance
In Arizona, a set aside gives you the chance to leave your conviction in the past and reclaim your future. Under A.R.S. § 13‑905, once you’ve completed your sentence (including probation, restitution, etc.), you can file to have the judgment of guilt vacated and the case dismissed. The conviction remains on your record with a notation that it was set aside, but you’re released from penalties and disabilities tied to the conviction.
What’s more, if your case qualifies, the court can issue a Certificate of Second Chance alongside a successful set-aside. This certificate gives you protections that make it easier to access professional licenses and housing by signaling rehabilitation to employers, licensing boards, and landlords.
Why this matters for you:
- A set-aside restores many civil rights and reduces the legal weight of your past.
- A Certificate of Second Chance helps you secure employment, housing, and occupational licenses more easily.
Marijuana Expungement (Prop 207)
Thanks to Arizona’s Proposition 207, certain marijuana-related convictions can be expunged, meaning they’re sealed and treated as though they never happened. This includes:
Possession of up to 2.5 oz. of marijuana (including small amounts of concentrate).
Cultivating up to six marijuana plants at your home.
Possessing paraphernalia related to personal use.
Once granted, expungement allows you to confidently say the arrest or conviction never occurred, which can clear barriers to jobs, housing, and more.
Felony 6 Reclassification (Undesignated Felony)
In Arizona, a Class 6 felony (the lowest-level felony) can be converted to a misdemeanor once you complete your probation. This process, often referred to as felony “reclassification” or regarded as an “undesignated felony,” reduces the legal severity of the offense without erasing the underlying conduct. Once reclassified, your case appears as a misdemeanor, opening more doors for employment, housing, and personal opportunities.
What the Rights Restoration Process Looks Like in Arizona
Restoring your rights typically involves:
- Reviewing your court case and confirming that you’ve completed all sentence terms
- Preparing and filing the appropriate petition under A.R.S. § 13-907, § 13-908, or § 13-910
- Waiting for a decision from the court (most cases do not require a hearing)
- Receiving your restoration certificate if approved
You don’t need to go through this alone. ADRC is here to walk you through it, at no cost to you.
Let’s Do This Together
ADRC’s Free Legal Clinic has helped hundreds of Arizonans restore their rights, with a 100% success rate in 2024. We’re not just here to give you legal advice. We’re here to stand with you, advocate with you, and make sure you have the tools to reclaim what’s yours.
Get Started Today.
We’ll help you review your eligibility, file your petition, and take the first step toward full participation in your community.