Protecting Your Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card: What You Need to Know About Criminal Charges and Convictions

For many professionals in Arizona, a Fingerprint Clearance Card (FCC) is essential to maintaining their career. This credential is required for individuals working in education, healthcare, real estate, security, and other regulated industries. However, a criminal charge or conviction can put your clearance at risk, leading to suspension or revocation of your FCC and, ultimately, jeopardizing your livelihood.

What Is an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card?

An Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card is issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) after a thorough background check. This card is required for professionals who work with vulnerable populations, handle sensitive information, or occupy positions of trust. The clearance process ensures that individuals with certain criminal histories are restricted from holding jobs that require high ethical and safety standards.

How a Criminal Charge Can Impact Your Fingerprint Clearance Card

Arizona has strict guidelines on who can maintain an FCC. If you are arrested or charged with a criminal offense, DPS may suspend or revoke your card based on the nature of the offense. Some of the key points to consider include:

• Automatic Revocation: Certain serious offenses, such as sexual misconduct, drug trafficking, and violent felonies, result in immediate revocation without the possibility of appeal.
• Suspension Pending Investigation: If you are charged with a crime but not yet convicted, your card may be suspended while your case is under review.
• Appealable Offenses: Some charges, like DUIs, disorderly conduct, or non-violent drug offenses, may result in a suspension, but you may have an opportunity to challenge the decision and request a good cause exception.

How a Conviction Affects Your Fingerprint Clearance Card

A conviction carries even greater risks than an arrest or charge. If you are convicted of an offense that is on DPS’s list of prohibited crimes, your card will be revoked. This can lead to job termination and difficulty finding future employment in your field. Felony convictions, domestic violence charges, theft, and aggravated assault are among the offenses that often lead to FCC revocation.

Steps to Take if Your Fingerprint Clearance Card Is Suspended or Revoked

If your FCC is at risk due to a criminal charge or conviction, there are steps you can take to protect your career:

1. Seek Legal Representation Immediately – Working with an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney can help you fight the charges and possibly prevent a conviction that could cost you your FCC.
2. Apply for a Good Cause Exception – If your card is suspended or revoked for an appealable offense, you may be able to request a good cause exception through the Arizona Board of Fingerprinting.
3. Expunge or Set Aside Convictions – In some cases, getting a conviction set aside or expunged may improve your chances of reinstating your FCC.
4. Stay Proactive – If you anticipate an issue with your fingerprint clearance, consulting with an attorney early in the process can help mitigate risks and improve your chances of retaining your clearance.

Protect Your Career – Get Legal Help Today

Losing your fingerprint clearance card can have devastating effects on your professional future. If you are facing criminal charges or are at risk of suspension or revocation, you need an aggressive legal strategy to defend your rights. At The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, we focus in protecting professionals from the consequences of criminal charges.

Don’t leave your career to chance—call today for a confidential consultation and let us help you fight for your future.