Arizona Certificate of Second Chance (A.R.S. 13-909)
A Certificate of Second Chance lifts many licensing barriers and protects employers who hire you.
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What Is a Certificate of Second Chance in Arizona?
Quick answer: A Certificate of Second Chance (A.R.S. § 13-909) is a court order that comes with a set-aside and does two powerful things: it lifts many occupational-licensing barriers tied to your conviction, and it gives employers and landlords protection from negligent-hiring liability when they give you a chance. It is not the same as sealing or set-aside, it is an add-on that helps you get back to work.
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What It Does (and Doesn’t Do)
✓ It DOES
- Removes many statutory bars to occupational and professional licenses
- Protects employers and landlords from negligent-hiring/renting liability
- Signals to employers that a court has vouched for your rehabilitation
- Comes with a set-aside of the conviction
✗ It DOES NOT
- Does not seal or erase the conviction
- Is not a pardon and does not restore firearm rights
- Is limited to one certificate per felony conviction
- Does not guarantee any particular license or job
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Together, these place Tamou Law Group among the best Phoenix criminal defense lawyers, led by Founding Attorney Michael Tamou and a full team of attorneys, including former prosecutors.
The Statute, in Plain Terms
Under A.R.S. § 13-909, when a court sets aside your conviction it can also issue a Certificate of Second Chance. The certificate relieves many of the automatic licensing disqualifications that a conviction triggers, and it shields employers and housing providers from liability for giving you an opportunity. You can hold one certificate per felony, so it is worth using strategically alongside set-aside and sealing.
Who Qualifies
You generally qualify when your conviction is eligible for a set-aside and you have completed your sentence. First-time and lower-level offenders often qualify automatically at set-aside; others may need to wait. Because it is limited to one per felony, we help you time it for the greatest benefit.
The Process, Step by Step
- Confirm set-aside eligibility, the certificate rides with it.
- Request the Certificate of Second Chance in the set-aside application.
- The court grants the certificate with the set-aside order.
- Use it when applying for licenses, jobs, and housing.
We handle every step so you never guess at a form or deadline. Call 623-321-4699 for a free record review.
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Arizona Certificate of Second Chance FAQs
What does a Certificate of Second Chance do in Arizona?
Under A.R.S. 13-909 it lifts many occupational-licensing barriers from your conviction and protects employers and landlords from negligent-hiring liability for giving you a chance.
Is a Certificate of Second Chance the same as a set-aside?
No. A set-aside vacates the judgment; the certificate is an add-on that removes licensing bars and adds liability protection. The certificate is issued with a set-aside.
Who qualifies for a Certificate of Second Chance in Arizona?
People whose convictions are eligible for a set-aside and who have completed their sentence. First-time offenders often qualify at the time of set-aside.
Does a Certificate of Second Chance restore gun rights?
No. It does not restore firearm rights and it is not a pardon. Gun rights require a separate application or a class 6 reduction.
How many Certificates of Second Chance can I get?
One per felony conviction. Because of that limit, it is worth using strategically alongside sealing and set-aside.
Does a Certificate of Second Chance help with professional licensing?
Yes. It removes many of the automatic statutory bars a conviction places on occupational and professional licenses, which is where it moves the needle most.
Does a Certificate of Second Chance seal my record?
No. The conviction is still visible unless you also seal it under A.R.S. 13-911. Many people stack the certificate, a set-aside, and sealing.
How do I get a Certificate of Second Chance in Arizona?
You request it as part of your set-aside application. We prepare both together so you get the certificate with the set-aside order.
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We serve all of Maricopa County and the surrounding area, with free, confidential consultations 24/7 by phone and in-person meetings at either office by appointment.
Case Results Disclaimer: The results described on this page are based on specific facts and circumstances and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future results. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page or submitting a contact form until a written fee agreement has been signed. Tamou Law Group, PLLC is licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.