questions & answers

Question: A couple of years ago I left my two small children in the care of my brother while I worked 2 jobs to support us. There was then an incident while I was at work and long story short I got charged with class 1 misdemeanor Contributing to the dependency and delinquency of a minor. I completed the year probation and the parenting classes. This was the first and only time I had ever been into trouble. I'm in school and I need to get a fingerprint card for Nursing. How can I, and am I able to get this charge cleared from my record. I'm just a single mom who's trying to better my children's lives.

Answer: The process you are referring to is called setting aside your conviction or expungement.. According to A.R.S. § 13-907 (http://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=http://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/00907.htm)a person may apply to the judge, justice of the peace or magistrate who pronounced sentence or imposed probation or such judge, justice of the peace or magistrate's successor in office to have the judgment of guilt set aside. However set aside does not necessarily mean the conviction will be completely wiped out from your criminal record. If your employer asks if you have ever been convicted of any crimes, you must still report your conviction. Although, you may also inform your employer that the conviction was set aside. A conviction that was set aside the record also indicates that the person successfully completed all court requirements and the Court vacated the judgment and dismissed the charges. This has the effect of putting the felony offense in a person’s past as long as there are no present or future convictions. The focus moves to the present and to positive attributes, rather than on past transgressions. For more information visit the following article: http://www.azlawhelp.org/articles_info.cfm?sc=66&mc=13&articleid=147