Yes, you can often get a job with a criminal record in Arizona, but a conviction can still make hiring harder unless you seek a set-aside under A.R.S. 13-905. Under A.R.S. 28-1381(A)(1) and (A)(2), DUI can be charged at 0.08 BAC, 0.04 for commercial drivers, and 0.01 if under 21. A first DUI carries at least 10 consecutive days in jail, a $1,250 minimum fine and fees, and 90 days of license suspension; a second offense can mean at least 90 days in jail and 12-month suspension. A set-aside does not erase the case, but it can help with screening. Next, speak with a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer about eligibility, paperwork, and timelines before you apply or interview today.
Can you get a job with a criminal record in Arizona?
Yes, you can get a job with a criminal record in Arizona, because state law does not create a blanket ban on hiring people with prior convictions. Employers can still review criminal history, and some jobs, especially those involving children, vulnerable adults, finance, or public safety, may have additional screening or licensing rules.
Arizona also limits some licensing and employment barriers through rehabilitation and set-aside relief under A.R.S. 13-905. A conviction can still show up on a background check, but the record may carry less weight if the court sets it aside. For local guidance, a Tempe criminal defense lawyer can review whether your case is a good candidate.
How do background checks and a set-aside under ARS 13-905 work?
A background check can still show an Arizona conviction after a set-aside, but A.R.S. 13-905 lets the court set aside the judgment of guilt, dismiss the accusations, and order the person released from most penalties and disabilities. The conviction is not erased, so employers may still see the case history.
Under A.R.S. 13-905, the judge considers the nature of the offense, the applicant’s compliance with probation or sentence terms, the victim’s input when required, and the person’s current behavior. Some offenses do not qualify, including many serious or dangerous crimes. If you need help understanding the statute, start with the text at A.R.S. 13-905.
How can a set-aside improve your job prospects?
A set-aside can improve your job prospects by giving you a stronger answer when an employer asks about a conviction and by showing a court has already recognized your rehabilitation. It can also help with certain professional and occupational licensing applications, though it does not guarantee approval.
In practice, a set-aside may make you more competitive for interviews, reduce the stigma of an old case, and help you explain the outcome more clearly. It may also matter in applications that ask whether a conviction was set aside or dismissed. If your record involves a Phoenix-area case, a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer can help you present the relief the right way.
How do criminal cases play out in local Arizona courts?
Criminal cases in Arizona usually begin in municipal, justice, or superior court, depending on whether the case is a misdemeanor, felony, or city-code matter. Early events can include arraignment, pretrial conferences, motions, negotiations, and, if needed, trial. The final outcome may affect whether you can later seek a set-aside under A.R.S. 13-905.
People charged in the Valley often appear in courts connected to Phoenix, Mesa, and Glendale, and many cases also come through Tempe or Scottsdale jurisdictions. Oliverson Law has offices in Tempe, Gilbert, Phoenix, and Kingman and represents clients in the courts near each. If your case is local, check the area pages for a Mesa criminal defense lawyer, Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer, and Glendale criminal defense lawyer.
When should you call an Arizona criminal defense lawyer?
You should call an Arizona criminal defense lawyer as soon as you are charged, convicted, or thinking about a set-aside, because timing can affect your options and your ability to protect your record. If you want a job with criminal record Arizona issues resolved the right way, counsel can help you decide whether to fight the case, negotiate a plea, or file for relief later.
Oliverson Law handles Arizona DUI lawyer cases, Arizona drug crimes attorney matters, and Arizona assault lawyer defenses, along with Arizona domestic violence lawyer and Arizona weapons charges lawyer cases. If you are ready to act, start with our contact Oliverson Law page or speak with an Arizona criminal defense lawyer.
What are the key Arizona courts and agencies to know?
The key Arizona courts and agencies are the Arizona Courts, the local city or justice court handling the case, and the State Bar of Arizona if you need lawyer verification or consumer resources. For set-aside relief, the governing statute is A.R.S. 13-905, which controls what the court can grant and what factors it may consider.
Use the official resources at Arizona Courts and State Bar of Arizona when you need court information or attorney credentials. If your record also involves charges like DUI or narcotics, review our Arizona DUI lawyer and Arizona drug crimes attorney pages, then compare the statute at A.R.S. 13-905.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A set-aside under A.R.S. 13-905 does not erase the case. It sets aside the judgment of guilt, dismisses the accusations, and releases you from most penalties and disabilities, but the record can still exist and may still appear on some background checks.
Yes, a conviction can still appear on many background checks after a set-aside. The benefit is that the record shows the case was set aside, which can help you explain the outcome and may reduce the weight an employer gives it.
Some serious offenses do not qualify, including many dangerous offenses and offenses requiring sex-offender registration. Eligibility depends on the conviction, sentence, and the facts of the case, so a lawyer should review the record before you apply.
It can help in some licensing applications because it shows the court granted relief after conviction. But licensing boards still have their own rules, and some agencies may consider the underlying conduct even if the case was set aside.
You should ask as soon as possible if you are job hunting, need a license, or want to clean up a past conviction. A lawyer can tell you whether a set-aside, a plea strategy, or another form of relief is the best next step.
If a criminal record is holding back your job search, call Oliverson Law now. We can review your case, explain A.R.S. 13-905, and map out the fastest path to relief.
