The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County, in collaboration with community partners, is hosting its third annual “Project Restore: My Record, My Rights,” a free event offering individuals a powerful opportunity to move forward by clearing eligible juvenile records. 

The event will be held tomorrow, September 6, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Durango Juvenile Court Center to help those with a juvenile record seek destruction of records, civil rights restoration, set aside adjudications, or expungement of certain marijuana offenses. Superior Court Judges will review cases on-site and issue same-day rulings, helping participants take immediate steps toward a fresh start. Before attending the event, individuals can determine their eligibility by using the Arizona State University Youth Justice Lab’s Eligibility Tool. Juvenile Records for a DUI felony are not eligible for destruction until age 25.

“We are thrilled to open the courthouse doors again on a Saturday, giving individuals the opportunity to apply to clear their record related to incidents from their youth,” said Juvenile Presiding Judge Lori Bustamante. “Our hope is that those with a juvenile record, who are eligible, will take advantage of this chance to have everything resolved in a single day. This event is about helping people remove the weight of their past mistakes and move forward toward a positive, successful future.”

A juvenile record can have a lasting impact, creating barriers to essential life opportunities such as employment, military enlistment, and housing. Project Restore aims to eliminate those roadblocks by connecting individuals with legal experts, community resources, and the judicial system, all in one place.

“Tens of thousands of Maricopa County residents are potentially eligible to have their juvenile records destroyed,” said Andrew Meissen, Deputy Director of the Maricopa County Office of the Public Advocate. “However, many people incorrectly assume that Arizona juvenile records are automatically destroyed at some future date. This is not the case. This annual event aims to educate the community and demystify the process of clearing juvenile records.”

With a continued focus on rehabilitation, the Juvenile Department is committed to helping individuals move forward by offering young adults who have made amends a second chance.

Partners at the event include the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the Maricopa County Office of the Public Advocate, the Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court, volunteer private practice attorneys, and Arizona State University’s Youth Justice Lab.

For more information, visit the Project Restore event webpage.

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