You’ve done the work. You served your sentence, paid your fines, and put the past behind you. You’ve even obtained a conviction Set Aside from the court, a major victory! But when you apply for a professional license, a new job, or an apartment, you still face that moment of dread: the background check. For years, the system offered little incentive for employers or landlords to take a chance on an applicant with a past. Now, thanks to Arizona’s Certificate of Second Chance (CSC), that dynamic has completely shifted.
At Castillo Law, we ensure that when we pursue a Set Aside for a client, we also pursue this powerful Certificate, governed by A.R.S. § 13-905, to truly maximize your fresh start in 2026.
What is a Certificate of Second Chance (CSC)?
The Certificate of Second Chance is an official document issued by the court that serves as a formal, legal declaration of your rehabilitation.
The most crucial benefit is not for you—it’s for the person or entity giving you a chance:
| Area of Life | CSC Benefit | Why it Matters |
| Employment | Provides an employer with protection against negligent hiring lawsuits based on your prior conviction. | It makes hiring you legally safer for a cautious business owner. |
| Housing | Provides the landlord/entity with legal protection against liability based on your prior criminal offense. | It removes a major financial risk factor for landlords when approving your lease application. |
| Occupational Licenses | Releases you from statutory barriers to obtaining many state-regulated licenses (e.g., in Title 32 fields like nursing assistants, contracting, etc.). | If you are otherwise qualified, the past conviction cannot be the sole reason for denial. |
The Distinction: Set Aside vs. Certificate of Second Chance
- The Set Aside (A.R.S. § 13-905): This is the judicial order that vacates the conviction and dismisses the charges, acknowledging you completed your sentence. This is the prerequisite.
- The Certificate of Second Chance (A.R.S. § 13-905): This is the power-up. It is the official document that proves to the outside world that the state has endorsed your rehabilitation, bringing with it the critical liability protection for employers and landlords.
In many cases, if you qualify for a Set Aside, the court will automatically issue a CSC. However, due to waiting periods for certain felonies, or if your Set Aside was granted previously, a separate application for the CSC may be necessary.
Who Qualifies for a Certificate of Second Chance in 2026?
Eligibility is tied to the successful completion of your sentence, including all probation, fines, and restitution. The waiting periods for a Set Aside and a CSC are:
- Misdemeanors: Eligible immediately upon completion of the sentence.
- Class 4, 5, or 6 Felonies: Must wait two years after fulfilling all sentence conditions.
- Class 2 or 3 Felonies: Must wait five years after fulfilling all sentence conditions.
(Note: The CSC does not apply to dangerous offenses, sex offenses requiring registration, or felonies against a minor under 15.)
Our “New Year, New Future” Commitment
If your record has been an invisible roadblock, the Certificate of Second Chance is the signpost showing that you are clear to proceed.
At Castillo Law, we don’t file the paperwork and walk away. We meticulously compile all the necessary documentation (proof of rehabilitation, letters of reference, etc.) and argue for both the Set Aside and the Certificate to ensure you leave the court with the maximum possible relief.
Your best resolution for 2026 is a record that works for you, not against you. Let’s find out if you qualify for this life-changing document.
Start My Free CSC Eligibility Review TodayOr call Castillo Law at (480) 206-5204 to speak with our team.
