Chandler Marijuana Expungement Lawyer
Arizona voters passed Proposition 207 in November 2020, legalizing recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older—and critically, creating a pathway for people with prior marijuana convictions to have their records expunged. Unlike Arizona’s standard “set aside” process, Proposition 207 expungement results in records being sealed and destroyed entirely. For Chandler residents with prior marijuana convictions affecting employment, security clearances, or professional licensing, expungement offers a genuine fresh start and the legal ability to honestly answer “no” to criminal history questions.
Attorney Josh Lopez helps clients throughout Chandler petition for marijuana expungement.
→ For comprehensive Arizona marijuana expungement information, see: Arizona Marijuana Expungement
Expungement vs. Set Aside: Critical Differences
Standard Set Aside (ARS § 13-905)
Arizona’s traditional post-conviction relief for most offenses:
- Conviction is “set aside” but record still exists
- Background checks may still reveal the conviction
- Notation added that conviction was “set aside”
- Limited practical benefit for many purposes
- Employers, landlords, and licensing boards still see history
Proposition 207 Marijuana Expungement
A fundamentally different and more powerful remedy:
- Records are sealed and destroyed entirely
- Treated legally as if the offense never occurred
- Background checks will not reveal the expunged conviction
- You can legally answer “no” to criminal history questions
- Genuine fresh start with clean record
This distinction matters enormously for employment, security clearances, and professional licensing.
Eligible Offenses Under Proposition 207
Automatically Eligible Conduct
Offenses involving conduct now legal under Proposition 207 for adults 21+:
Possession Offenses:
- Marijuana possession of 2.5 ounces or less
- Marijuana concentrate possession of 12.5 grams or less
- Marijuana paraphernalia possession
- Personal use possession amounts
Cultivation Offenses:
- Growing 6 plants or fewer for personal use
- Cultivation for personal consumption
Transportation/Transfer:
- Transporting 2.5 ounces or less
- Transferring 2.5 ounces or less to another adult 21+ without remuneration
NOT Eligible for Expungement
Certain marijuana offenses remain ineligible:
- Sales to minors — Selling or furnishing to persons under 21
- Marijuana DUI — Driving under the influence
- Violent offenses — Any offense involving violence
- Commercial distribution — Large-scale sales or trafficking
- Federal convictions — Only Arizona state convictions
- Amounts exceeding legal limits significantly
Current Legal Limits for Adults 21+
| Substance | Legal Limit |
| Marijuana flower | 1 ounce (28.3 grams) |
| Marijuana concentrate | 5 grams |
| Personal plants | 6 plants per person (12 per household) |
Proposition 207 expungement covers conduct involving amounts up to 2.5 ounces of flower and 12.5 grams of concentrate.
The Expungement Process
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Confirm your prior offense qualifies:
- Was the offense marijuana-related?
- Did the conduct involve amounts now legal?
- Was there any violence, sales to minors, or DUI involved?
- Was this an Arizona state conviction (not federal)?
Step 2: Gather Documentation
Collect records related to your prior case:
- Case number and court information
- Charging documents and conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Proof of sentence completion
Step 3: Prepare the Petition
Complete the required petition form:
- Identify the specific conviction(s) to be expunged
- Explain how the offense qualifies under Proposition 207
- Provide supporting documentation
Step 4: File the Petition
Submit the petition to the court that handled the original case:
- No filing fee for Proposition 207 expungement petitions
- File in the court where the conviction occurred
- Provide required copies
Step 5: Court Review
The court reviews the petition:
- Prosecutor has opportunity to respond
- Judge determines whether offense qualifies
- Most qualifying petitions granted without hearing
Step 6: Order Issued
If granted, the court issues an expungement order:
- Records ordered sealed and destroyed
- Agencies notified to comply
- Conviction treated as if it never occurred
Typical Timeline: 2-4 months for straightforward cases.
Benefits of Marijuana Expungement
For Chandler Professionals
Prior marijuana convictions particularly affect Chandler’s workforce:
- Security clearances — Drug history raises concerns; expungement removes conviction
- Employment — Technology employers conduct thorough background checks
- Professional licensing — Various boards review criminal history
Employment Opportunities
- Pass background checks that previously showed convictions
- No disclosure required on applications
- Apply for positions previously unavailable
- Career advancement no longer blocked
Professional Licensing
- Apply for licenses without disclosing expunged conviction
- Reduces character and fitness concerns
- Career paths in regulated industries reopened
Housing Applications
- Pass rental background checks
- No disclosure required to landlords
- Housing options expanded
- Property management screenings clear
Educational Opportunities
- Federal financial aid eligibility restored
- Graduate school applications improved
- Professional program admissions enhanced
- Internship opportunities expanded
The Expungement Process in Detail
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Confirm your prior offense qualifies under Proposition 207:
- Was the offense marijuana-related?
- Did the conduct involve amounts now legal?
- Was there any violence, sales to minors, or DUI involved?
- Was this an Arizona state conviction (not federal)?
Step 2: Gather Documentation
Collect records related to your prior case:
- Case number and court information
- Charging documents and conviction records
- Sentencing information and documents
- Proof of sentence completion (probation, fines, etc.)
Step 3: Prepare the Petition
Complete the required petition form:
- Identify specific conviction(s) to be expunged
- Explain how offense qualifies under Proposition 207
- Provide supporting documentation
- Follow court-specific requirements
Step 4: File the Petition
Submit petition to court that handled original case:
- No filing fee for Proposition 207 expungement petitions
- File in court where conviction occurred
- Provide required copies to prosecutor
Step 5: Court Review and Order
The court processes your petition:
- Prosecutor has opportunity to respond (usually doesn’t object)
- Judge determines whether offense qualifies
- Most qualifying petitions granted without hearing
- Order issued directing records sealed and destroyed
Typical Timeline: 2-4 months for straightforward cases.
Where to File
File your petition in the court that handled the original case:
Chandler Municipal Court
Location: 200 E. Chicago Street, Chandler, AZ 85225
Phone: (480) 782-4900
For misdemeanor marijuana convictions originally prosecuted here.
Southeast Regional Superior Court
Location: 222 E. Javelina Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210
For felony marijuana convictions from the Chandler area.
No Filing Fee for Proposition 207 petitions.
After Expungement is Granted
What Happens to Records
Once expungement is ordered:
- Court records are sealed
- Arrest records are sealed
- Conviction treated as if it never occurred
- Records eventually destroyed per court procedures
Your Rights After Expungement
After expungement:
- Legally answer “no” to conviction questions
- No disclosure required on job applications
- Pass standard background checks
- Apply for professional licenses without disclosure
- Housing applications don’t require disclosure
Limitations
Expungement has some limitations:
- Federal records may still exist
- Some government agencies may retain records
- Doesn’t affect federal charges (only state)
- Doesn’t restore rights lost due to other convictions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does marijuana expungement take?
Most straightforward cases resolve within 2-4 months from filing.
Do I have to go to court?
Usually no. Most qualifying petitions are granted without a hearing based on written petition alone.
How much does marijuana expungement cost?
Arizona charges no court filing fee for Proposition 207 expungement petitions. Attorney fees vary by complexity.
Can expunged convictions be used against me?
Generally no. Once expunged, the conviction is treated as if it never occurred. You can legally answer “no” to criminal history questions.
Will expungement restore my gun rights?
Potentially, if the marijuana conviction was the only disqualifying offense. Federal law is complex—consult an attorney.
Will expungement help my security clearance?
It may help by removing the conviction from your record, though security officials consider overall conduct history. Expungement means you can legally answer “no” to conviction questions on security questionnaire forms, which removes a significant barrier.
Contact a Chandler Marijuana Expungement Attorney
Proposition 207 provides powerful relief for eligible marijuana convictions. For Chandler professionals, expungement removes barriers to employment and security clearances.
Attorney Josh Lopez helps Chandler residents navigate marijuana expungement.
Scottsdale Office:
6991 East Camelback Rd, Suite D-300
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phoenix Office:
2601 N 3rd Street, Suite 301
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Call (480) 386-1824 for a free consultation.