AZ HB2291

Allows persons convicted of class 4, 5, or 6 felonies to petition the court to vacate the conviction and expunge related records at least 5 years after completing probation or sentence.

Petition must include petitioner's identifying information, offense details, arrest dates and locations, law enforcement agency names, and fingerprints for identity verification by the Department of Public Safety.

Court may vacate conviction and expunge records after hearing if petitioner has no additional arrests or convictions in the 5-year period, has paid restitution, and circumstances warrant relief consistent with public welfare.

Does not apply to dangerous offenses, offenses requiring sex offender registration, offenses with sexual motivation findings, or offenses where victim is under 15 years old.

Upon court order, all law enforcement agencies, courts, prosecutors, and other entities possessing records must destroy all documentation related to the vacated conviction; convicted persons may thereafter respond to inquiries as though the conviction did not exist.