Recreational marijuana use became legal in Arizona when voters passed Proposition 207 in November, 2020.  Aside from permitting individuals to possess small amounts of marijuana for personal use, Proposition 207 also offers very important benefits to people who have previously been convicted of possession marijuana.  Specifically, individuals who were convicted of felony or misdemeanor offenses in Arizona involving possession of marijuana for personal use can now apply to have their convictions expunged.

What is an Expungement?

Undoubtedly, any criminal conviction can have harmful effects upon your future.  Specifically, both misdemeanor and felony convictions can be considered by potential employers, landlords or lending institutions.  Moreover, felony convictions can result in the loss of professional licenses as well as important civil rights such as the right to vote or possess a firearm.

Expungements operate in a manner which completely erases a mark on your criminal record.  Any record of the conviction is sealed and removed from your state or federal criminal history.  An expungement allows you to answer "no" if you are asked about being previously convicted of a criminal offense.  Additionally, expungement of your criminal conviction will provide you with fair access to housing, jobs and credit,  will restore your civil rights and have the ability to obtain professional and occupational licenses.  Currently, the only criminal convictions which qualify for expungement in Arizona are those that involve possession of marijuana for personal use.

Who is Eligible for Expungement?

Under Proposition 207, individuals convicted a marijuana offense can apply for expungement if the following conditions are satisfied:

1. The conviction must involve the personal possession of not greater than two and a half ounces of marijuana 
2. The person could not have possessed more than twelve and a half grams of marijuana concentrate
3. The person could not have possessed more than six marijuana plants

Additionally, convictions related to the possession of drug paraphernalia used to possess, transport, cultivate or consume marijuana may also be expunged.  

Call (480) 833-8613 to Have Your Marijuana Conviction Expunged 

People with convictions for low level marijuana possession offenses should immediately pursue an expungement.  Undoubtedly, an experienced criminal defense attorney could be of invaluable assistance in expediting this process and having your marijuana conviction sealed.  Attorney, Raymond Kimble has practiced criminal defense throughout Maricopa and Pinal Counties for over twenty years and is available to assist in having your marijuana conviction expunged.