{"id":17963,"date":"2021-02-23T15:00:54","date_gmt":"2021-02-23T22:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/?p=17963"},"modified":"2023-02-16T14:25:59","modified_gmt":"2023-02-16T21:25:59","slug":"marijuana-expungement-arizona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/blog\/marijuana-expungement-arizona\/","title":{"rendered":"Marijuana Expungement in Arizona"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n

Arizonans came together and overwhelmingly voted to pass Proposition 207, which legalized the recreational use, possession, and simple cultivation of marijuana. Previously, the only legal use of marijuana was for those with a medical purpose. Anyone who did not have a valid medical marijuana card was not within the law for possessing, using, or growing marijuana. Due to this, many individuals in Arizona were arrested for marijuana crimes that didn\u2019t seem to match the punishment.<\/p>\n

Sadly, due to Arizona\u2019s previously harsh penalties and drug laws, many individuals are currently in prison or are dealing with the repercussion of being convicted of a drug charge. However, due to the passing of Prop 207, many of these people are eligible for an expungement of their convictions and charges.<\/p>\n

When Does Proposition 207 Go Into Effect?<\/h2>\n

Arizona Proposition 207, also called the Smart and Safe Act, is well known for legalizing recreational usage of marijuana. After waiting months since the proposition passed, Arizonans are now able to file Petitions for Expungement of marijuana-related convictions and charges as of July 12, 2021.<\/p>\n

If you have been charged or convicted of a marijuana crime, it is recommended that you work with an experienced criminal defense attorney<\/a> to ensure that your petition is prepared properly, as well as to prepare for your hearing.<\/p>\n

What is a Drug Crime Expungement?<\/h2>\n

To expunge means to erase or remove altogether, and in law, expungement is the process by which the record of a criminal conviction is destroyed or sealed. Once an expungement has been granted, a conviction is treated as if it had never occurred.<\/p>\n

So, suppose you have been convicted of a marijuana crime that fits specific criteria. In that case, you may be eligible to have your conviction expunged and removed from public record by having your lawyer submit a Petition for Expungement. Once a court grants your Petition for Expungement, the following will occur:<\/p>\n