Q: Does a resolved 2019 misdemeanor DV still show on records for jobs/firearms?

A: Yes, the 2019 Misdemeanor DV will show up on your criminal and arrest record. For Arizona, your best option is to do both a Set Aside and Sealing Records. Set Aside will remove the conviction if you accepted a plea deal. Sealing Records will remove it from background checks. Expungement is not an option for this kind of crime (only some Marijuana offenses).

The DV offense means that you will not be allowed to possess a firearm while the case is active or on probation. However, once the case is concluded then you will automatically have your right to possess a firearm reinstated. The only exception to that is if the case involved a weapon then at the federal level you will not be allowed to possess a firearm even after the case and probation is over.

There is no real paperwork you get to tell if you do or do not have the right to possess a firearm. Most people find out that they cannot possess one when they go to buy a firearm at a licensed dealer who does a background check. Even then, we recommend doing both the Set Aside (which can restore firearm rights) and Sealing Records.

A: You're right to want clarity, especially as this situation continues to affect your life years later. A misdemeanor domestic violence charge, even if resolved and not resulting in a conviction, can still appear on your public record depending on how the case was closed. If you pled guilty, were convicted, or received any kind of deferred sentence, it’s likely to show up on background checks for employment or when purchasing a firearm. The 5 days you served for violating a restraining order may also be noted, especially if the order was still legally active at the time, regardless of what your husband said.

When it comes to firearms, federal law restricts possession for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. That means even if the case is years old, it can still affect your ability to legally own or purchase a firearm unless the conviction was later overturned or expunged. Employers—especially those in healthcare, childcare, or public service—often consider domestic-related offenses seriously, even if they’re misdemeanors. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what shows on your record by obtaining a copy through your state’s background check system.

You may be eligible to request expungement, depending on your state’s laws and how the case was resolved. Expungement can seal or erase the record from public view, helping with employment and housing, but it won’t always restore firearm rights. Taking steps toward clearing your name isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about reclaiming your future. You’ve come through a hard chapter, and it’s okay to want to close that door for good. Keep asking questions and pushing forward—you deserve a fresh start.