Yuma, Arizona · A.R.S. § 13-905
Set Aside Conviction in Yuma, AZ
Arizona's set-aside law (A.R.S. § 13-905) lets eligible Yuma residents apply to vacate the judgment of guilt and add a "set aside" notation to their record. Set-aside is broader in scope than sealing — most convictions qualify (excluding the (P)-list of sex offenses, dangerous offenses, and certain DUIs). Set-aside also automatically restores civil rights under § 13-907.
Filing in Yuma — local details
Where to file
Yuma County Superior Court
Yuma County Superior Court, 250 W. 2nd Street, Suite E, Yuma, AZ 85364
E-filing
Yuma County uses the AZ statewide Public Access portal for case lookup and the eFileAZ platform for electronic filing where supported. Self-represented filers may file paper documents in person.
Payment methods
Cash, cashier's checks, personal checks, credit cards, money orders.
Prosecutor service
Yuma County Attorney's Office
250 W. 2nd Street, Suite G, Yuma, AZ 85364
Alternate filing locations
Yuma County does not operate Superior Court branch offices. Justice Courts in Yuma (250 W. 2nd, Suite A), Somerton/San Luis (1358 E. Liberty St., San Luis), and Wellton (10260 Dome St.) handle misdemeanors locally; felony record-relief petitions go to the Yuma Superior Court.
Parking & access
Public parking is available adjacent to the court complex on 2nd Street and surrounding blocks.
Processing time
Yuma County processing times are typically 60-120 days for uncontested petitions. The court serves a unique geography — Yuma is closer to San Diego (3 hours) than to Phoenix (3 hours) — but petitioners file at the Yuma County Superior Court regardless.
Judge assignment
Sealing petitions are routed to the original sentencing judge when possible. Yuma's criminal-bench judges hear post-conviction relief matters at the Yuma courthouse.
After-hours filing
In-person and mail filings only. The court complex at 250 W. 2nd Street houses the Clerk, the Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, and most other court functions.
What set aside conviction does
Does
- Vacates the judgment of guilt
- Adds a "set aside" notation to the record
- Restores civil rights (if not already auto-restored under § 13-907)
- Reduces stigma on background checks — many employers treat set-aside convictions favorably
Doesn't
- Does not seal or hide the record (you would need § 13-911 separately)
- Does not erase the conviction for purposes of later sentencing enhancement
- Does not affect immigration consequences
- Does not restore firearm rights — those go through § 13-910 separately
The statute, in plain terms
Section 13-905 has no statutory waiting period beyond completion of probation/sentence. Subsection (P) lists explicit exclusions: dangerous offenses, sex offenses requiring registration, offenses where the victim was under 15, and select DUI categories. All restitution and fines must be paid before applying. The court is required to give weight to the petitioner's rehabilitation and any harm to victims when ruling.
Note for Yuma filers: Set-aside is discretionary — even when statutorily eligible, the court weighs factors like the petitioner's rehabilitation, the nature of the offense, and any post-discharge conduct. A strong personal statement is the single most important predictor of a granted petition.
Yuma Set Aside Conviction FAQ
Where do Yuma residents file a § 13-905 set-aside application?
Applications are filed with the Yuma County Superior Court where the conviction was entered. The criminal filing counter is at 250 W. 2nd St., Suite E, Yuma, AZ 85364. Hours are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday.
What's the difference between set-aside and sealing in Yuma?
Set-aside (§ 13-905) vacates the judgment but the record stays public — anyone running a background check can still find the case, but they'll see "set aside" alongside the conviction. Sealing (§ 13-911) hides the record from public view entirely. Many petitioners file both: set-aside first to vacate the conviction, then sealing to hide it. Each is a separate $0-court-fee filing in Yuma County.
Is there a waiting period for set-aside in Yuma?
No statutory waiting period — you can apply as soon as probation is discharged and all fines/restitution are paid in full. Some petitioners wait deliberately to build a stronger record of rehabilitation, but you're not required to.
Does set-aside restore my voting rights?
For most Yuma residents, civil rights (including voting) are already auto-restored under HB2119 (effective Sept 24, 2022) at probation discharge — no application needed. Set-aside also independently restores civil rights as a matter of law. If your civil rights weren't auto-restored (e.g., second felony, out-of-state conviction), set-aside accomplishes restoration.
What if my petition is denied?
Set-aside denials don't carry a refile waiting period (unlike sealing under § 13-911, which has a 3-year wait after denial). You can refile after curing whatever issue led to the denial — usually unpaid restitution, an active warrant, or a subsequent conviction. Yuma County Attorney's Office reviews most petitions and can be reached at (928) 817-4300.
Ready to set aside conviction in Yuma?
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