Bisbee, Arizona · A.R.S. §§ 13-907, 13-908
Restore Civil Rights in Bisbee, AZ
Bisbee residents with a felony conviction may need to restore their civil rights — the right to vote, serve on a jury, and hold public office. Arizona simplified this in 2022: under HB2119, first-time felons get automatic restoration when probation is discharged. Repeat offenders, out-of-state convictions, and pre-2022 cases without auto-restoration require an application under § 13-908.
Filing in Bisbee — local details
Where to file
Cochise County Superior Court
Cochise County Superior Court, 100 Quality Hill Rd., Bisbee, AZ 85603
E-filing
Cochise County offers eFiling through the AZ statewide system for civil and criminal cases. Self-represented filers may file paper documents in person at either the Bisbee main courthouse or the Sierra Vista branch.
Payment methods
Cash, cashier's checks, personal checks, credit cards, money orders.
Prosecutor service
Cochise County Attorney's Office
150 Quality Hill Rd., Bisbee, AZ 85603
Alternate filing locations
Cochise County operates a branch courthouse in Sierra Vista at 100 Colonia de Salud — closer for Sierra Vista, Fort Huachuca, and Benson residents. The Bisbee main courthouse remains the primary filing location.
Parking & access
Free parking in the front lot of the courthouse. The historic Bisbee courthouse sits at the top of Quality Hill Road overlooking the town.
Processing time
Cochise County processing times are typically 60-120 days for uncontested petitions. The court has six divisions across Bisbee and Sierra Vista, which spreads case volume.
Judge assignment
Cochise has six Superior Court divisions across two locations. Sealing petitions go to the original sentencing judge when possible.
After-hours filing
In-person and mail filings only. Mailing address: P.O. Drawer CK, Bisbee, AZ 85603. The Bisbee Self-Help Center (520-432-8513) provides set-aside, sealing, and firearm-rights restoration forms for pro se filers.
What restore civil rights does
Does
- Restores the right to vote
- Restores the right to serve on a jury
- Restores the right to hold public office
- Issues a Certificate of Restoration of Civil Rights as proof
Doesn't
- Does not restore firearm rights — separate process under § 13-910
- Does not erase or set aside the conviction (use § 13-905 for that)
- Does not affect federal civil rights (e.g., federal jury service)
- Does not affect immigration consequences
The statute, in plain terms
Section 13-907 (auto-restoration, HB2119, effective September 24, 2022) restores civil rights automatically for first-time AZ felons upon probation discharge or absolute discharge from prison. Section 13-908 covers everyone else: repeat offenders apply in the convicting county; out-of-state and federal convictions apply in the AZ county of residence. § 13-908 was amended by HB2119 to remove the prior 2-year waiting period — you can apply immediately upon discharge.
Note for Bisbee filers: For most ${city.name} residents with a single Arizona felony, civil rights are auto-restored at probation discharge — no application needed. The Arizona Supreme Court's decision in State v. Begay (2026) confirmed that the end of probation is the trigger date.
Bisbee Restore Civil Rights FAQ
Are my civil rights already restored in Bisbee?
Probably yes, if you're a first-time AZ felon discharged after September 24, 2022. Check by requesting a recent driving record from the AZ MVD or a public-records lookup of your case. If your record shows the conviction is closed and probation is discharged, your rights are likely auto-restored. If you have a second felony, an out-of-state conviction, or were discharged before September 2022, you need to apply.
Where do I file a § 13-908 application in Bisbee?
For Arizona convictions, file in the convicting court — the Cochise County Superior Court at 100 Quality Hill Rd., Bisbee, AZ 85603. For out-of-state or federal convictions, file in the Superior Court of your AZ county of residence (Pima, Maricopa, etc.). The hours are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday.
What documents do I need to restore civil rights?
You need a Discharge from Probation order (from your probation department) or an Absolute Discharge from Imprisonment (from ADOC, if you served prison time). For Bisbee residents, contact the Cochise County Adult Probation Department for discharge confirmation. Prison-discharged petitioners contact the AZ Department of Corrections, 1601 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix.
Does restoration include firearm rights?
No. Civil rights restoration (vote, jury, office) is separate from firearm rights restoration. Firearm rights are governed by § 13-910 and have their own waiting periods (2 years for most felonies, 10 years for serious offenses, permanent bar for dangerous offenses). Many petitioners file both at once — civil rights under § 13-908 and firearm rights under § 13-910.
How long does the application take in Bisbee?
Cochise County processing times are typically 60-120 days for uncontested petitions. The court has six divisions across Bisbee and Sierra Vista, which spreads case volume. Restoration applications are generally faster than sealing petitions because there's no statutory waiting period and prosecutor objections are rare for first-time offenders. Cochise County Attorney's Office can be reached at (520) 432-8700.
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