AZ HB2697

Allows persons convicted of misdemeanors to petition for expungement of conviction records, with exceptions for offenses in Arizona Revised Statutes chapters 14, 35.1, or Title 28, Chapter 4.

Requires petition to be filed at least three years after completion of probation or sentence, and court must request probation department evaluation including victim statements, arrest/conviction history, and third-party support letters.

Court must deny expungement if petitioner previously obtained expungement for a felony-equivalent offense, has pending court matters, or has unpaid restitution or fines.

Judge may order sealing of conviction records if justice would be served, with order delivered to law enforcement and courts prohibiting release of records except by court order.

Persons violating the sealing order are liable for damages, and persons receiving expungement may thereafter respond to inquiries as though the conviction did not exist.