Facing a felony charge in Peoria, Arizona, is a life-altering event. But what happens after your case is resolved—whether through a dismissal, plea deal, or conviction? Many people feel uncertain about what legal options remain once their defense lawyer has completed the initial representation. At Guardian Law Group, we provide continued support and guidance for clients navigating the aftermath of a felony case.
Here’s a guide to understanding your legal options after working with a felony defense attorney in Peoria or greater Maricopa County.
1. Understanding Your Case Outcome
Your post-case options depend on how your felony case concluded:
- Case dismissed: You are not convicted, but your arrest record still exists.
- Plea deal accepted: You pled guilty to a felony or reduced charge.
- Convicted at trial: You have a felony conviction on your record.
Each of these outcomes carries different implications for your criminal record, civil rights, and future legal remedies.
2. Record Relief: Sealing, Set-Aside and Marijuana Expungement
Arizona provides different forms of record relief. § 13-911 permits sealing in eligible cases, including qualifying dismissed, uncharged or conviction records. A set-aside under § 13-905 and marijuana expungement under § 36-2862 are distinct remedies with different eligibility and effects.
What Is a Set Aside?
Under § 13-905, an eligible person may apply after fulfilling the conditions of probation or sentence and discharge by the court. The court considers statutory factors. A granted set-aside changes the judgment but does not erase the record or eliminate every continuing consequence.
Benefits of a Set Aside:
- May help explain the updated judgment to employers or housing providers; it does not guarantee acceptance
- Shows you completed your sentence and moved forward
- Section 13-905(O) provides firearm-rights restoration with a set-aside except for a serious offense under § 13-706; other applicable restrictions still require review
Expungement (Limited to Marijuana Offenses)
§ 36-2862 provides expungement for specified marijuana conduct occurring before its effective date. Review the actual conduct and court order; do not assume every marijuana conviction or every related record qualifies.
3. Restoring Your Civil Rights
A felony conviction can strip you of important rights, including:
- Voting
- Serving on a jury
- Holding public office
- Possessing firearms
§ 13-907 provides automatic civil-rights restoration for qualifying first felony offenders after the required probation completion or discharge and payment of victim restitution, with an application requirement for out-of-state or federal convictions. Its firearm exception depends on the offense. Review the actual conviction and applicable restoration route rather than assume firearm rights are always excluded or already restored.
Guardian Law Group helps clients file effective petitions and represent them in post-conviction hearings.
4. Probation Compliance and Early Termination
For ongoing probation, § 13-901(G) permits early termination in the court’s discretion when the statutory standard is met, with notice and an opportunity to be heard for the prosecutor and, on request, the victim. Ask counsel to review eligibility, compliance records and the actual order. Until the court changes the order, continue following its conditions; record relief and early termination are separate questions.
5. Addressing Collateral Consequences
Felony convictions can impact many areas of life:
- Employment: Background checks can affect job opportunities.
- Professional licenses: Nurses, contractors, and other licensed professionals may face board discipline.
- Housing: Landlords may deny applications based on criminal records.
Bring the actual employment, licensing or housing question to counsel along with the judgment and any relief order. Confirm what criminal-case help the representation includes and whether a separate specialist is needed.
6. Immigration Considerations
If you are not a U.S. citizen, a felony conviction could result in:
- Deportation
- Visa revocation
- Denial of naturalization
If immigration consequences may be involved, seek advice from qualified immigration counsel in coordination with criminal-defense counsel. Confirm the scope of each representation rather than assume a record-relief order resolves immigration questions.
FAQs: Legal Options After Felony Cases in Peoria
Can I get my felony conviction sealed or removed?
Possibly, depending on eligibility. Sealing under § 13-911, a set-aside under § 13-905 and qualifying marijuana expungement under § 36-2862 are different routes. A dismissal does not by itself mean every record disappears.
How long do I have to wait to restore my rights?
There is no single waiting rule for every right and conviction. Counsel should review the conviction, probation completion or discharge, victim restitution and the applicable automatic-restoration, application or set-aside route. Section 13-907 treats firearm eligibility differently for dangerous and serious offenses; other restrictions may also apply.
Can I still be denied jobs or housing after a set aside?
Yes. A set-aside does not erase the record or guarantee employment or housing. Review the actual application question, background report and relief order with counsel.
Will Guardian Law Group help with post-conviction issues?
Yes. We assist clients in restoring rights, filing set aside motions, and pursuing relief that improves their future.
Contact Guardian Law Group for Post-Felony Legal Support
Bring the disposition, sentence and discharge documents, current probation terms, payment records and any prior relief orders. Identify whether your immediate concern is an ongoing condition, public access to records or a particular rights question. Guardian Law Group’s criminal defense team can review the documents and discuss the next step.
Call Guardian Law Group today at (602) 888-8020 for a confidential consultation.