Alaska Criminal Records

Are Alaska Criminal Records Public?

Yes. Alaska criminal records are open to the public and accessible upon request. Interested requesters must direct the request to obtain a criminal record to the Alaska Criminal Records and Identification Bureau. Generally, the Bureau provides for requesters to obtain criminal records in two ways. There is no official online database to perform an Alaska criminal records search. Thus, requesters must obtain criminal records of interest in person or by mail.

Criminal records, considered public in the United States, are made available through some third-party aggregate sites. Searching with third-party websites is often easier as the information is not limited to geographic record availability. Information found on third-party websites can serve as a jumping-off point for parties searching for a specific record or multiple records. Typically, requesters must provide the following information to gain access to these records:

• The record subject’s name, unless the subject is a juvenile.
• The record subjects’ last known location, including cities, counties, and states.

Third-party websites offer these search services, but they are not government-sponsored. Availability of records may vary.

What is Considered a Criminal Record in Alaska?

Alaska criminal records are the official documentation of a person’s past and active criminal activities in Alaska. These records are also known as rap sheets and contain information about an individual’s arrests, prosecutions, and convictions in the Alaska criminal justice system. The information provided in a record is compiled and assembled from trial courts, Alaska law enforcement agencies, and correctional facilities across the state and local counties. Like most states, criminal records in Alaska are organized in searchable online record depositories that can be accessed by the public. Most of the criminal history information for the state of Alaska is managed by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, Criminal Records and Identification Bureau.

What Shows Up on a Criminal Record in Alaska

Persons who obtain Alaska criminal records can expect to find the following information:

• The name of the subject
• Aliases
• Physical descriptors
• Records of any criminal conviction
• Court orders
• Warrant
• Charges
• Probation and probation orders
• Convicted crimes

How to Obtain Criminal Records in Alaska?

The Alaska Code of Criminal Procedure makes Alaska criminal records available to the public through the Department of Public Safety. In turn, the Department of Public Safety assigns the Criminal Records and Identification Bureau as the record custodian for Alaska criminal records. Thus, all public requests must go to this agency. Interested persons may conduct a name-based or fingerprint-based Alaska background check with the record custodian.

Generally, requesters who wish to perform a name-based criminal record search must complete a request form. Then, the request must attach payment and submit the request in person or via mail to the Criminal Records and Identification Bureau. A name-based criminal records search costs $20.00 per person. The Bureau accepts payment in the form of a check or money order made payable to the state of Alaska.

Enclose the request and accompanying documents in a self-addressed stamped envelope. Requesters who prefer to submit in person may go to the nearest walk-in center. Otherwise, a requester must mail the request via the U.S. Postal Service to:

ATTN: Criminal Records and Identification Bureau
5700 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99507
Phone: (907) 269-5767
Fax: (907) 269-5091

Generally, a walk-in request is faster than a mail request, which takes an average of ten (10) business days. However, either method may be inconvenient under certain circumstances, especially if the requester needs the criminal record quickly. In such cases, interested persons use aggregate websites to perform a public criminal records search. This alternative is not only faster and cheaper but also, it is anonymous. The requester does not need the subject’s authorization to conduct a criminal record search. Free public criminal record checks are also possible. However, the information obtained this way is not reliable.

Are Arrest Records Public in Alaska?

Yes. Public arrest records are available to interested persons per the Alaska Public Records Act unless stated otherwise. Requesters may access these records as soon as the arresting agency creates the document. Generally, the arresting agency is the custodian of the arrest record. Thus, if the county Sheriff’s Department made the arrest, the requester must direct the request for the arrest record to the Sheriff's Department. Likewise, if a state or federal law enforcement agency made the arrest, requests for public arrest records go to these agencies. In cases where a person’s arrest is the product of inter-agency collaboration, requests for an arrest search go to the agency that has custody of the arrestee.

Note that the arresting agency will charge a small fee for copying the documents for the requester. While it is possible to obtain free arrest records, it is typically difficult. An arresting agency may release copies of the document if doing so serves the public’s interest. Otherwise, the requester must submit a fee waiver request to obtain this record.

What is Considered an Arrest Record in Alaska?

Alaska arrest records contain information detailing a person’s arrest history. It provides information on whether a person has been arrested, questioned, taken into custody, or held for investigation. It also provides information on the charges filed as well as the parties filing the allegation. In Alaska, an arrest can be made when a person commits a misdemeanor or felony and is apprehended by a law enforcement officer in Alaska. Law enforcement also arrests individuals when the court or a criminal justice agency issues an arrest warrant.

Alaska police records and police reports differ from arrest records, but the terms can be used interchangeably. Police reports, or police logs, keep track of all official interactions between members of the public and law enforcement, while arrest records are individualized to a specific public member and only include arrest information.

Alaska Arrest Warrants

Alaska arrest warrants are official documents that authorize law enforcement officers to arrest and detain the named person(s). To secure an arrest warrant, law enforcement officials will need to show probable cause that a person has committed a crime. While most warrants are issued by a judge or magistrate, arrest warrants may also be issued by a grand jury. In addition, arrest warrants are frequently issued against offenders who do not show up in court as ordered or disobey a court ruling.

How Do You Check for Warrants in Alaska

As of 2023, there is no government-sponsored active warrant search tool in Alaska, but the Alaska Department of Public Safety provides an extensive list of active warrants. Active arrest warrants in Alaska are limitless in their reach; police officers can go to any part of the state or the country to execute these orders.

How to Lookup Alaska Inmate Records

The AK DOC offers inmate search tools through VINElink (Victim Information and Notification Everyday). Interested persons can also contact VINElink at (800) 247-9763 to get an inmate’s current location and status.

Alaska inmate records are documents that contain official information regarding persons incarcerated in a county jail or state prison. Generally, the Alaska Department of Corrections (AK DOC) maintains inmate records on persons currently or previously under their custody or administration. Persons committed under the custody of the Department of Corrections are usually serving a term of incarceration ordered by the court after the person has been convicted for a crime. Inmate records form part of a person’s criminal records that are accessible to the public.

How Do I Find Sex Offenders in Alaska?

The Alaska sex offender registry provides a database of persons convicted of sex crimes in Alaska. Per Alaska laws, sex offender registration for such persons is mandatory. Generally, an offender who has served time for a single, non-aggravated sex crime must provide extensive personal information to local law enforcement. These include address, employment details, vehicle details, a current photo, identifying features, and medical treatment.

Furthermore, Alaska sex offender laws require registered sex offenders to report to the local law enforcement department to update this information at least once a year for up to 15 years. Meanwhile, persons convicted of aggravated sex crimes may have to register on the Alaska sex offender registry for a lifetime. These offenders must also report to local law enforcement more often.

Understanding DUI Laws in Alaska?

A DUI in Alaska is a serious traffic violation. It refers to the crime of drunk driving or driving under the influence. The Alaska Traffic Code defines the driving offense as operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance that can impair the physical or mental capabilities of a driver (AS. 28.35.030).

Generally, law enforcement charge an impaired driver with Driving Under Influence following a field sobriety test or chemical test to measure the driver’s blood alcohol content(BAC). The minimum threshold for BAC is below 0.08. Still, a driver may face DUI charges, even if the BAC is lower and the driver does not show visible signs of impairment.

For example, law enforcement officers may issue a ticket for DUI if the driver has an open container for alcoholic beverages in the car. Furthermore, Alaska has zero-tolerance for underage drinking. Thus, drivers between the ages of 14 and 21 will face DUI charges regardless of the amount of alcohol consumed.

Meanwhile, a DUI in Alaska is either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense. First, the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suspend the driver’s license pending administrative review. Then, the officer will issue a traffic ticket for the violation, take the driver into custody, and forward the arrest report to the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Even if the officer does not arrest the driver, the ticket will contain the date of court appearance and the penalty points awarded against the driver’s license. At the trial court, the driver faces severe penalties for the DUI. Generally, a first-time offender can expect to spend at least 72 hours in jail, and pay over $24,000 in fines. Furthermore, a DUI is worth ten (10) penalty points on the Alaska DMV point system. More importantly, the conviction for DUI in Alaska remains on the driver’s record for life.

Alaska Misdemeanors Laws: Offenses and Penalties

A misdemeanor in Alaska is a non-indictable offense categorized as less severe than felonies. They consist of less serious offenses against property interests and less severe violence against a person. In Alaska, misdemeanors are crimes punishable by up to one year in county or local jail. Misdemeanors in Alaska are divided into two categories: class A or B.

• Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $10,000
• Class B misdemeanors are less serious crimes, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

Examples of misdemeanors in Alaska include:

• Disorderly conduct
• Driving under the influence
• Theft involving property less than $500
• First-degree harassment
• Prostitution
• Fourth-degree assault

Alaska Felony Laws: Offenses and Penalties

Felony offenses in Alaska are considered more serious crimes compared to misdemeanors. They are punishable by a maximum sentence of more than 1 year, which is to be served in a county jail or state prison. In some cases, a felony conviction can even be punished by death. The punishment for Alaska felonies depends on the offense class. Alaska classifies felonies as Unclassified, Class A, Class B, and Class C.

• Unclassified felonies are the most serious crimes, punishable by up to $500,000 and 99 years in prison. Examples of unclassified felonies include:
• Attempted murder
• Sexual assault
• Murder
• Class A Felonies have a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Examples of Class A felonies include first-degree assault.
• Class B Felonies carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. An example of a crime in this class includes furnishing marijuana to a minor.
• Class C Felonies have a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. An example of a crime in this class includes promoting prostitution.

What Information is Provided in Alaska Parole Records?

Parole records provide information on the decision of the Alaska Board of Parole to release a prisoner on good behavior prior to serving the maximum sentence imposed on them by the court. There are two types of parole granted to inmates in Alaska, mandatory and discretionary parole. Discretionary parole may be granted to an inmate who is serving a prison term of at least 6 months and has served 1/4 of the sentence for a Class B or C felony or misdemeanor and at least 1/3 of the sentence for a classified or unclassified felony conviction. While on parole, a parolee remains under the supervision of the Department of Corrections until they are completely discharged.

Are Probation Records Public in Alaska?

Probation records provide information on the alternative sentence pronounced by a court as a consequence for an imprisonable offense. A probationer is given the privilege by the court to serve the punishment for their crime while remaining within their community under the supervision of a probation and parole officer and the Alaska Department of Corrections. Probationers are also required to abide by strict conditions of probation, failing which they may be taken into custody and the court may have their probation revoked.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Public in Alaska?

Juvenile criminal records are documents and information maintained by a court and the Division of Juvenile Justice, Alaska’s juvenile court, on persons who have been adjudicated delinquent. An adjudicated delinquent is a person younger than 18 years of age who has violated the criminal laws such that if an adult were to have breached the law in the same manner as the youth, they would have been charged for a criminal offense. Juvenile criminal records show that youth has or is being held accountable for their offense in the interest of public safety.

Juvenile records may contain information such as the name and description of the youth, information on the crime committed, fingerprint, and other information that are permissible by law to appear on a juvenile’s record. Juvenile criminal records are generally held as confidential except in cases where the juvenile is subject to dual sentencing and Alaska statute permits disclosure of juvenile records when the minor is at least 13 years of age and has committed certain offenses including:

• Arson
• A crime against a person may be categorized as a felony
• Use of a deadly weapon in committing a crime
• Promoting prostitution
• Distribution of child pornography
• Burglary

Referral of Juvenile delinquency remains on the record of the minor even after the case is dismissed or reduced. Juvenile records for non-Class A or B felonies or traffic offenses are automatically sealed within 30 days of the minor’s 18th birthday or the termination of the jurisdiction of the court, whichever is later. Most serious offenses on the record of a juvenile who was tried as an adult may also be sealed within 5 years after the completion of their sentences or 5 years after public access was granted to the records., except for juvenile convictions for certain felonies and traffic offenses.

Alaska Conviction Records

A conviction record is an official document providing information that a person was found guilty, pleaded guilty, or pleaded nolo contendere against criminal charges in a civilian or military court. The criminal charges can be classified as a felony, misdemeanor, or other offense. Conviction records also include when a person has been judged delinquent, has been less than honorably discharged, or has been placed on probation, fined, imprisoned, or paroled. A criminal conviction is rendered by either a jury of peers or a judge in a court of law. A conviction does not include a final judgment that was deleted by a pardon, set aside, reversed, or otherwise rendered inoperative.

Find Alaska Criminal History Record for Free

Interested members of the public can obtain criminal history records for free by visiting the local law enforcement offices in the jurisdiction where they are resident or the subject of the record is domiciled. Some government offices maintain public access computers with which interested requesters can research for cases/individuals of interest. However, if the inquirer requires an additional service, such as duplication of a record, they will need to cover the cost.

Are Police Records Public in Alaska?

According to the Alaska Freedom of Information Act, police records are generally considered public documents under state law. This means that anyone may view or obtain copies of these documents so long as they are not sealed or confidential. However, not all details pertaining to a police record can be disclosed to the public, as certain elements of an investigation are considered private and will not be released.

How to Obtain Police Records in Alaska

Alaska residents can obtain police records by submitting a request to the local law enforcement agency concerned. To facilitate the record search, the inquirer should include details of the record being sought and a statement outlining that the request is being made for legitimate reasons. Once received, the custodian will provide the record to the requestor if they are deemed eligible to access its contents.

Are Alaska Police Reports Public Record?

Yes, police reports in Alaska are public record. Hence, interested members of the public may view or obtain copies of these documents by submitting a formal request to the police department or sheriff's office in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred. However, it should be noted that certain types of sensitive information may be withheld or redacted from the copy of the police report, such as confidential witness statements.

How to Find Mugshots in Alaska

Mugshots of individuals arrested in Alaska are generally available through the office or website of the law enforcement agency responsible for their arrest. Most police departments or Sheriff Offices maintain an online database which contains mugshots for those with felony convictions or arrests related to certain serious misdemeanors. To view a mugshot, search for the individual’s name on the department's inmate roster.