vacate conviction; sex trafficking; victims

This Arizona bill allows individuals convicted of sex trafficking offenses before July 24, 2014, to apply to have their convictions erased if they can prove they were victims of trafficking. The court must grant the request if the person provides clear and convincing evidence of their victim status, and it can do so without a hearing if the prosecutor agrees. If the prosecutor objects, a hearing will be held to review the case. Once the conviction is vacated, the person is freed from all legal penalties, and official records will note that they were a victim. Additionally, the erased conviction cannot be used as a prior felony record for sentencing, and the individual can legally state they have never been arrested or convicted for the crime, with limited exceptions for jobs requiring fingerprint clearance.