Arizona Just Expanded Who Can Turn a Felony Into a Misdemeanor (HB 2749)

Arizona Just Expanded Who Can Turn a Felony Into a Misdemeanor

On June 5, 2026, Governor Katie Hobbs signed HB 2749 into law. For the first time, Arizona will let people reduce certain class 4, 5, and 6 felonies down to a class 1 misdemeanor years after a case ends. Until now, only a class 6 felony could be designated this way, and usually only at sentencing.

This is a brand-new option under A.R.S. § 13-604.01, and it could change the lives of people who have carried a felony label for years.

What HB 2749 Changes

Before this law, your only path to drop a felony to a misdemeanor was a class 6 felony, designated at or near sentencing, or later if the judge left it undesignated. HB 2749 goes further. It lets you ask the judge to enter a class 1 misdemeanor on a class 4, 5, or 6 felony long after your case closed, as long as you meet every requirement.

Who Will Qualify

The new law sets a high bar. You must meet all of these:

• Your felony was not a dangerous offense.
• You have no prior felony conviction.
• Your case did not involve a victim.
• You finished everything the judge ordered, including paying all fines, fees, and restitution.
• At least five years have passed since your conviction, with no new felony and no new misdemeanor involving a victim during that time.
• The judge agrees it is in the interest of justice.

The “no victim” requirement is the one that rules out most cases. Many felonies involve a victim, and those will not qualify. But for non-victim offenses, like certain drug or property cases, this opens a door that did not exist before.

When Does It Take Effect

HB 2749 was signed on June 5, 2026, but it is not in force yet. Arizona laws generally take effect 91 days after the legislative session formally ends, and the 2026 session is still ongoing. That means there is no firm start date yet. We are tracking it and will update this page the moment it is set.

Here is what matters for you: you cannot file under this law today, but you can find out now whether you will qualify. If you do, we can have your application ready to file the day it takes effect.

Why Dropping a Felony to a Misdemeanor Matters

A felony follows you. It shows up on background checks, blocks jobs and professional licenses, affects housing, and takes away your gun rights. Designating it to a misdemeanor removes the felony label, which can reopen opportunities a felony quietly closed. Pair it with a set aside or sealing, and you move even closer to a clean slate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HB 2749 erase my record?
No. It changes a felony to a misdemeanor. To go further, you may also qualify to set aside or seal the case.

What if my case had a victim?
Then this law does not apply. You may still have other options, like a set aside, so it is worth a review.

Can I apply right now?
Not yet. The law is signed but not in effect. The smart move is to confirm your eligibility now so you are first in line when it takes effect.

Find Out If You Qualify

Take our quick eligibility quiz or reach out, and we will tell you whether HB 2749 will work for your case and what to do next. See if you qualify, or learn more about designating a felony to a misdemeanor.