Alaska Criminal Records

An Alaska criminal record is an official document that outlines an individual's history of involvement with the state's criminal justice system. It includes information such as arrests, charges, court proceedings, convictions, sentences, incarceration details, probation, and parole. These records may also include identifying details like the person's full name, date of birth, physical description, and known aliases.

Alaska records about 726 violent crimes and 1,877 property crimes per 100,000 people. The state ranks in the top five for violent crime rates in the United States.

In Alaska, criminal records are maintained by the Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS) through its Criminal Records and Identification (R&I) Bureau. This bureau serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state. It collects data from law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional institutions across Alaska and updates the records as new information becomes available.

Are Criminal Records Public in Alaska?

The Alaska Public Records Act (APRA), codified in Alaska Statutes §§ 40.25.110 - 40.25.125, establishes the public's right to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by state agencies, including criminal records, unless specifically exempted by law. Hence, criminal records in Alaska are generally considered public records and are accessible to the public, subject to certain exceptions. Also, per AS 12.62.160, any person may receive Alaska criminal justice information by the procedures outlined in AS 12.62.160.

Criminal records exempt from public disclosure include the following:

• Juvenile records, except in limited cases.
• Records required to be kept confidential by federal or state law.
• Records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes.

How To Look Up Criminal Records in Alaska?

Basic information on criminal history records may be obtained via the Alaska CourtView system. To use this system, you must provide the defendant's name, case number, or citation number.

To obtain a comprehensive criminal history, you must request a background check from the Criminal Records and Identification Bureau of the Alaska Department of Public Safety. Requesters may opt for a name-based search or a fingerprint-based search. The name-based search only requires the individual's full name and date of birth, while the fingerprint-based search provides more accurate results and is recommended if there is a concern that the name of the subject of the record may be shared by multiple individuals.

To obtain your criminal record in Alaska, submit a criminal justice information from record subject form and a check or money order of the appropriate fee (made payable to "State of Alaska") to the address stated on the form.

The current fee for a name-based background check in Alaska is $20, while a fingerprint-based background check costs $35. For fingerprint-based checks, fingerprints must be submitted using the standard FD-258 FBI fingerprint form. A name-based request may be submitted online via the Alaska Criminal History Report Portal.

Individuals requesting a name-based background check by mail may choose to have the results sent either by mail or by fax, but not both, unless an additional copy is purchased. An extra copy costs $5 and must be requested at the time of the original submission. If a copy is requested after the initial report has been issued, the full fee of $20 will apply for each additional report.

The processing time for a name-based or fingerprint-based criminal background check typically takes about 10 business days from the date the request is received by the Criminal Records and Identification Bureau of the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

How To Search Alaska Arrest Records?

Alaska arrest records are official documents that detail when an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement authorities within the state. These records are typically created by municipal police departments, Alaska State Troopers, or other authorized agencies at the time of arrest.

Arrest records in Alaska usually contain the following types of information:

• The full name, date of birth, and physical description of the person arrested
• The date, time, and location of the arrest
• The arresting agency and the name or badge number of the arresting officer(s)
• The alleged offense or offenses that led to the arrest
• Booking information, including any charges filed, bail or bond details, and fingerprinting
• Case number and sometimes a brief narrative of the incident

You may search arrest records in Alaska via the state CourtView System since many criminal cases in the state begin with an arrest. Details of the arrest may be included in the case file information available via the CourtView system. Also, to find details about an arrest, you may contact the local law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Alaska law enforcement authorities may allow record inspection or provide copies following public records laws.

How To Search Alaska Warrants?

A warrant in Alaska is a legal document issued by a magistrate or judge authorizing specific actions, such as making an arrest, conducting a search, or compelling someone to appear in court. The request for a warrant is usually made by a law enforcement agency based on sworn testimony or affidavits supporting probable cause. Examples of warrants in Alaska include the following:

• Arrest Warrant: Issued when there is probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime. It authorizes law enforcement to arrest the individual named in the warrant.
• Bench Warrant: Issued by a judge when a person fails to appear in court as required, such as missing a scheduled hearing. This warrant directs law enforcement to arrest and bring the person before the court.
• Search Warrant: Authorizes law enforcement to search a stated location for evidence pertaining to a crime. The warrant will include a detailed description of the site to be searched and the items to be seized.
• Extradition or Governor's Warrant: Issued to apprehend and return an individual who is wanted in another state. This typically follows a formal request from the governor of the requesting state.

You may obtain warrant information from the local police department or Alaska State Troopers if they are the agency that enforced the action stipulated in the warrant. Alaska State Troopers maintain a list of active warrants, which may be accessed online via their website. Alternatively, you may visit the office of the court clerk where the warrant was issued. Note that some warrant information may be available online via the Alaska CourtView system.

Can I Obtain an Alaska Criminal History Record of Another Person?

You may obtain the criminal record for another individual by submitting a completed Criminal Justice Information form other than the record subject form to the address stated on the form. Note that you must include a check or money order for the appropriate fee ($20 for a single copy and $5 for each additional copy requested at the same time) and made out to "State of Alaska" in your request. Requests may take up to 10 business days to process.

How To Expunge or Seal Alaska Criminal Records

Alaska does not offer a general expungement process for criminal convictions. However, under specific circumstances, individuals may seek to seal certain records. The primary statute governing the sealing of criminal records in Alaska is Alaska Statute § 12.62.180. This law permits the sealing of criminal justice information only when the individual can demonstrate, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the record resulted from mistaken identity or false accusation. Additionally, Alaska Statute § 12.55.085 allows for a "set-aside" of convictions following a suspended imposition of sentence, though this does not equate to sealing or expungement.

Pursuant to AS § 12.62.180, the eligibility criteria for sealing include the following:

• The individual must prove that the criminal record was due to mistaken identity or false accusation.
• This proof must meet the standard of "beyond a reasonable doubt."
• The sealing applies only to records maintained by the agency responsible for them.

Pursuant to AS § 12.55.085, convictions may be set aside when the court has suspended the imposition of sentence and after the successful completion of probation. Note that a setting aside does not remove the conviction from the record but indicates that the sentence was set aside.

The following steps are required to seal a criminal record in Alaska:

• Prepare Documentation: Gather all relevant documents that support the claim of mistaken identity or false accusation.
• Complete the Request Form: Fill out the "Request to Seal Criminal Justice Information" form provided by the Alaska Department of Public Safety.
• Submit the Request: Send the completed form and supporting documents to:

• Await Decision: The agency will review the request. If denied, the individual may appeal the decision to the court, bearing the burden of proving that the agency's decision was clearly mistaken.

What Are the Limitations to the Use of Criminal Records for Employment, Licensing, and Housing in Alaska?

While Alaska does not have a law restricting employers from requesting criminal history on initial job applications, federal regulations such as the Fair Chance Act prevent federal agencies and contractors from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history until after making a conditional job offer. Also, under Alaska Statutes § 12.62.400, licensing bodies may conduct national criminal history record checks for employment, licensing, and other noncriminal justice purposes. However, licensing agencies must not automatically disqualify applicants based solely on a criminal record. Instead, they must assess whether the conviction is directly related to the profession.

In professional and occupational licensing, Alaska boards have discretion to consider an applicant's criminal history, but are expected to assess whether a conviction is substantially related to the license sought. Blanket disqualifications are discouraged unless specifically authorized by statute.

Additionally, while landlords in Alaska are allowed to perform background checks, they must comply with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discriminatory practices. Under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidance, landlords are advised to avoid automatic denials based on criminal records and instead evaluate applicants on a case-by-case basis, considering public safety, rehabilitation, and fairness.

Can I Access Alaska Criminal Records for Free Online?

You may access certain Alaska criminal records online for free through the Alaska Court System's CourtView platform. Although the Alaska Department of Public Safety allows name-based criminal history records requests to be submitted online, the process is not free. Alternatively, you may use reputable third-party services such as those offered by AlaskaPublicRecords.us to access basic criminal history records for free online.