Setting aside your conviction might get your life back on track

A felony can make life a lot harder. Even essential tasks like getting a job to support yourself becomes more difficult. Employers are 60% more likely to call back applicants without felonies, even when the charge is a non-violent offense from years before. While Arizona won’t let you claim a clean record on your next job application, you could put an asterisk on the end that signifies you’re on the right path.

Scrubbing the mark

Asking courts to set aside a conviction is likely the closest you’ll get to expungement after a failed appeal. You may not get a spotless record out of the deal, but being able to present your conviction as cast aside may give you the head start you need.

Admissible evidence

Good behavior alone won’t get you there, but it’s a start. There are specific parameters that judges can look at when deciding your case:

• Circumstances: The courts can take a look at life after your trial. How you handled your sentence, if you obeyed probation and any additional convictions can influence the decision.
• Victims: Anyone that suffered because of your actions may have a say in the proceedings. A judge may also include any expenses you still owe them, like covering medical treatment, counseling and lost wages due to injury.
• Time: Courts can also take a look at how old you were, how much time has passed and if laws surrounding your circumstances have changed. Long-past mistakes could find softer treatment than recent transgressions.

Getting on with your life after your record takes a hit can be difficult. There are ways to move on, and sometimes asking the courts to set aside your conviction can be the open door you need.