How to Find Out If Your Civil Rights Have Been Restored In Arizona

One benefit of living in Arizona is that you may have your civil rights restored after a felony conviction. Civil rights that may be restored include voting, holding a public office, firearms rights, and being on a jury. If you aren’t sure about your civil rights being restored after completing your sentence for a serious offense, you may want to talk to an attorney. 

The Law Offices of Trevor Hill is a respected Tucson criminal defense firm specializing in civil rights restoration. Our team of skilled attorney stands ready to help you understand and restore your civil rights. 

Learn more about our firm and how we can assist you in restoring your civil rights following a criminal conviction.

Civil Rights Restoration In Arizona 

After certain criminal offenses and convictions, you may lose certain rights. Most often, convicted criminals lose the right to possess a gun, vote, or serve on a jury. However, Arizona provides a path for restoring certain civil liberties in limited situations. Rights that may be restored include: 

• The right to vote: After restoring your rights, you can vote in local, state, and federal elections. Voting is important because it allows you to participate in our democratic process and have a voice in shaping the nation’s policies. 
• Running for public office: Restoring your civil rights allows you to be eligible to run and hold a political office. You can pursue government positions, such as city council or state representative. 
• Possessing firearms: You may regain firearms rights per state and federal law. Firearms rights are important for self-defense and may be necessary for specific occupations like security officers. 

Restoration of civil rights allows you to reintegrate into society and fully engage in civic life. Remember that you must obey the law and adhere to Arizona legal requirements to maintain your civil rights. 

Automatic Restoration of Civil Rights 

Do you have only one Arizona felony conviction? Your civil rights will be automatically restored after you complete your probation. They also will be automatically restored upon an absolute discharge from prison, assuming your fines and restitution are paid. Firearms rights depend on the offense committed and may require an application, especially after serving time for a violent felony. 

How Do You Apply to Restore Civil Rights With Arizona Courts?

You must apply for civil rights restoration if you have multiple felonies or if your conviction was in another state. A waiting period starts after you have completed probation or two years after your release, whichever is later. You also must have resolved all court-ordered financial obligations. 

You can check your civil rights status after serving for your felony offense by contacting the court that convicted you. There are websites for various courts in Arizona you can use to check your status. Another option is to retain a criminal defense attorney for more details and legal assistance. 

What Are the Criteria For Restoring Your Civil Rights? 

The number of felony convictions you have plays a major role in restoring your civil rights. A first felony conviction with completed probation or prison sentence usually means your civil rights are automatically restored. Talk to a Tucson criminal defense attorney if you think certain civil rights have not been restored. 

The process is more complicated if you have two or more felonies in Arizona or a felony in another state. The restoration process also may be more complex for crimes causing serious physical injury. You can apply to restore your civil rights, but there is a waiting period. Requirements to apply for restoring civil rights are: 

• You have completed your parole or probation according to Arizona law. 
• It has been two years since you were discharged from prison. 
• You have paid all fines and restitution ordered by the judge. 

You must have completed your entire prison sentence, including probation and parole. This means you have fully served the jail and prison terms and complied with the court’s post-release supervision orders. 

The nature of the offense also affects civil rights restoration. More serious offenses may have longer waiting periods or other requirements that must be satisfied. Speak to a criminal defense attorney for additional information. 

Restoring your civil rights after a criminal conviction may depend on individual circumstances. For example, your case may be affected by previous felony convictions, criminal history, and other factors. 

The Process to Restore Your Civil Rights In Arizona

These are the steps to restore your civil rights in Arizona with a felony conviction: 

• Determine your eligibility: You must know if you meet the eligibility criteria. You must complete your sentence, meet all obligations ordered by the court, and be legally authorized to be in the country. 
• Apply: After confirming your eligibility, submit an application for civil rights restoration with the appropriate government entity. This may be the state’s Board of Executive Clemency. Note that the restoration process for possessing firearms requires you to submit a separate application. 
• Application review: The government will review the application and check your criminal history, rehabilitation efforts, and compliance with state restoration requirements. 
• Notification: You will be informed of the government’s decision on your application to restore your rights, such as the right to vote, possess firearms, and serve on a jury. 
• Staying compliant: After restoring your rights, you must follow the law and any requirements to maintain your civil liberties. 

Restoring civil rights can be tricky and tiresome. That is why many people seek legal guidance and assistance from an attorney. 

Speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney In Tucson Now 

Everyone wants to have access to their fundamental rights as Americans and Arizonans. You may be eligible for automatic civil rights restoration after committing one felony in Arizona. However, restoring your rights may be more complicated in other situations. 
For legal assistance restoring your fundamental rights, speak to an experienced Tucson criminal defense attorney at The Law Offices of Trevor Hill. Our lead criminal defense attorney is a member of the National Trial lawyer Top 40 Under 40. Contact our law office today at (520) 231-2814 for assistance with your civil rights restoration case.