Alaska Criminal Court Records

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    Alaska law requires the state's courts to create and preserve records of the matters they hear. When a criminal case is adjudicated, a criminal court record is produced, providing an official account of the proceedings and their outcome. These records typically include pleadings, orders, judgments, and entries reflecting acquittals, convictions, sentences, and other dispositions. The provisions governing their creation appear in Alaska Administrative Rule 37.5-37.8. Their core function is to maintain the transparency of the judicial process, strengthen public confidence in Alaska's courts, and provide a reliable reference point for research. They document how Alaska courts interpret and apply criminal law, support appellate review, facilitate eligibility assessments for record relief, and promote accountability throughout the justice system.

    Are Criminal Court Records Public in Alaska?

    Yes, generally. Alaska's default is open courts and records. The Alaska Supreme Court's Administrative Rules 37.5-37.8 and Rule 40 govern public access to court records, presuming access to case files unless a statute, rule, or court order makes something confidential or seals it. Consequently, anyone may inspect or request copies of criminal case records without stating a reason, subject to specific limits that protect privacy, safety, fair-trial rights, and the integrity of investigations.

    That said, several categories are restricted from public release or display. Common examples include:

    • Grand jury materials
    • Wiretap/interception orders and related filings
    • Presentence reports and probation materials
    • Victim-identifying information (especially in sex-crime cases)
    • Criminal history summaries ("rap sheets")
    • Mental-health evaluation/treatment records

    However, there are additional restrictions relating to information that can be published online. Even when a physical file is public, the court system may not publish certain records on its public website. By statute, courts are required to remove online listings for cases that end in acquittal or specified dismissals after 60 days; similar non-publication rules apply to certain underage alcohol offenses. Additionally, when a record (or part of it) is excluded from public access, the court may be expected to use the least restrictive limit that serves the purpose and should note on the public index that something has been restricted, without revealing the confidential content.

    What Criminal Court Records Contain in Alaska

    An Alaska criminal case file keeps both the case overview (docket-level data) and the case papers themselves. Case information typically shows the defendant's name and DOB, attorneys of record, charging statutes, filing date and courthouse, the assigned judge, future hearing dates, and the case status/disposition. Many courts also track event-by-event entries (minute notes) that summarize what happened at each hearing.

    Case documents include the prosecutor's charging documents (complaint/information/indictment), motions and affidavits, bail orders, subpoenas/returns, plea agreements, jury lists and verdict forms, sentencing orders, and any filed transcripts or exhibits. Items that are confidential under Alaska law (e.g., certain warrant materials while sealed, grand-jury records, presentence reports, protected victim information, and mental-health materials) are withheld or released only in redacted form.

    Alaska Criminal Court Records Search

    In Alaska, individuals can conduct an online search for Alaska criminal court records, then proceed to local courts if necessary.

    The Alaska Judiciary's Search Cases page links to two systems: the trial court index (CourtView) for superior and district court matters, and a separate Appellate Courts Case Management System for Supreme Court and Court of Appeals cases.

    CourtView lets record seekers search by case number, name, or ticket/citation number; results show docket details and basic charge/disposition data, but it's an index (not a full background check), and some case categories never appear online or are later removed by rule or statute. For older filings, especially those from before 1990, coverage is incomplete, and clerks may need to consult a non-public historical index.

    When the index doesn't have what you need (or you want copies), contact the clerk of the court where the case was filed or visit that courthouse. Clerks can retrieve the file, provide certified or exemplified copies, and assist in locating older or archived materials. Typical charges are $5 for the first plain copy of a document ($3 for each additional copy of the same document requested at the same time), $10 for the first certified copy ($3 for each additional copy of the same document), and $30/hour for records research; exemplified copies and audio have separate fees. Also note that Alaska law requires some criminal records to be removed from public websites after specific outcomes (e.g., full acquittal or qualifying dismissals), so an in-person request may be the only way to confirm the whole file.

    Free Access to Criminal Court Records in Alaska

    In Alaska, criminal court records are generally open to the public. Case information can be viewed through the Alaska Court System's online public index or at public terminals in the courthouse where the case was filed. Viewing basic case details is ordinarily free. When copies are needed, standard clerk research, copy, and certification fees apply; the Alaska Court System publishes current amounts on its official fees schedule.

    Sealing and Expungement of Criminal Court Records in Alaska

    Alaska uses "sealing" far more than "expungement" for record relief. For adults, Alaska law generally provides no expungement of convictions; instead, some individuals may obtain a set-aside of the conviction after a suspended imposition of sentence (SIS), which differs from erasing the record. Juvenile records are typically sealed under statute.

    True expungement (permanent destruction/eradication) is not generally available for adult convictions. An SIS "set-aside" under AS 12.55.085 can provide relief after successful completion of probation, but it does not eliminate the case history. Juvenile case files are sealed by law, and if a juvenile was charged as an adult, most such records can be sealed 5 years after sentence completion or five years after the records were made public, with exceptions for certain serious offenses and traffic matters (AS 47.12.300(d), (f)).

    How to Seal Criminal Court Records in Alaska

    Alaska does not have a general court-based sealing process for adult criminal convictions. Two routes exist:

    • Juvenile cases - the court seals juvenile records under statute, often automatically or by order.
    • Criminal-justice agency records (admin sealing) - a criminal justice agency (like the Alaska Department of Public Safety's Criminal Records & Identification Bureau) may seal information only if it resulted from mistaken identity or false accusation, via AS 12.62.180. This is an administrative process, not a standard court petition to "seal a conviction."

    If your matter is a juvenile case (court sealing)

    • Eligibility check

    Confirm the record is a juvenile matter governed by AS 47.12.300 and not one of the exceptions (e.g., certain serious offenses or traffic matters). Many juvenile files are sealed by law when the court's rehabilitative orders are fulfilled; older cases or special situations may require a motion/petition.

    • Prepare your filing

    Draft a motion/petition to seal in the Superior Court that handled the juvenile case, citing AS 47.12.300 and explaining how statutory conditions are met (completion of orders; rehabilitative effect). Attach any supporting records.

    • File with the court

    File in the original case. Filing fees and copy/certification costs may apply; if you can't afford them, request a fee waiver (Form TF-920).

    • Serve required parties

    Serve the prosecutor (and any other parties the court directs). Alaska courts generally require proof of service after you've paid the fee or received the waiver.

    Some judges decide on the papers; others hold a hearing. Be prepared to address statutory factors and any objections. If granted, the court issues a sealing order. The clerk and relevant agencies update access. Sealed juvenile records remain available only for limited, authorized purposes.

    If your issue is mistaken identity / false accusation (agency sealing, adults, or juveniles)

    • Eligibility check

    You must show beyond a reasonable doubt that the criminal-justice information arose from mistaken identity or false accusation (not merely that charges were dropped). See AS 12.62.180(b).

    • Submit a request to the agency

    Send a written request to the head of the agency maintaining the record (for statewide history: DPS Criminal Records & Identification Bureau). Alaska DPS provides a "Request to Seal Criminal Justice Information" packet with mailing instructions.

    • Agency decision & appeal

    The agency's decision is the final administrative decision. If denied, you may appeal to the court under the rules for administrative appeals (you must show the agency was "clearly mistaken"). AS 12.62.180(c).

    If sealed under AS 12.62.180(d), you may deny the existence of the sealed information (with limited exceptions for record management, criminal-justice employment, research, etc.).

    How to Expunge a Criminal Record in Alaska

    Alaska has no general expungement statute for adult convictions. The Department of Public Safety confirms: "Alaska does not have a law to expunge criminal history records."

    What is available:

    • SIS "set-aside" (not expungement) - If you received a suspended imposition of sentence and completed probation, you may ask the sentencing court to set aside the conviction under AS 12.55.085. This improves the disposition but does not erase the case from all records. The courts and DPS explain that a set-aside changes the disposition to "conviction set aside," yet it still appears on your history.
    • Agency sealing for mistake/false accusation - described above under AS 12.62.180.
    • Pardon - an executive remedy (Governor) with limited availability; it can mitigate some disabilities but does not erase all records.

    If you're pursuing an SIS set-aside (closest practical analogue to "expungement" in Alaska)

    • Confirm eligibility

    Verify your case involved a suspended imposition of sentence and that you completed all terms. Some offenses are ineligible or restricted; review AS 12.55.085 and your judgment.

    • File in the sentencing court

    Submit a motion to set aside the conviction in the original criminal case, citing AS 12.55.085(e) and attaching proof of completion (probation discharge, payment of fines, etc.). Alaska's self-help materials explain the effect of a set-aside.

    • Serve the prosecutor

    Serve the District Attorney (or prosecuting authority) and file proof of service. Courts generally require service after the fee is paid or a fee waiver (TF-920) is granted.

    Criminal Records in Alaska vs Court Records

    Criminal records (often referred to as "criminal justice information" in Alaska) are compiled and maintained by criminal justice agencies to identify offenders and track a person's arrest/charge/disposition history. Statewide records are maintained by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), Criminal Records & Identification (R&I) Bureau; dissemination and sealing are governed by AS 12.62 (e.g., §§ 12.62.160, 12.62.180). Local agencies also hold their own arrest/incident data.

    Criminal court records, by contrast, document proceedings in Alaska's trial courts (District and Superior Courts) and are maintained by the Alaska Court System (separate from DPS). Court files show docketed events, filings, and orders. The DPS's repository is the official criminal-history database, built from arrest fingerprint submissions and final dispositions reported by agencies and courts.

    Requesting an Alaska Criminal History Record

    Any person may obtain Alaska criminal justice information from DPS; the record subject may request their full record. The DPS accepts name-based or fingerprint-based requests (fingerprints are recommended for positive ID). You can submit DPS forms online/by mail; DPS lists approved fingerprinting sites and mailing details. The fees, subject to change, are $20 for a name-based check and $35 for a fingerprint-based check. Additional copies may incur an extra fee.

    Active vs Archived Criminal Cases in Alaska

    "Active" criminal cases are matters still pending in Alaska's trial courts (District or Superior Court) where no final judgment has been entered by trial, plea, diversion, dismissal, or other disposition. Case information for active files is typically available through the Alaska Court System's public index and at the courthouse where the case was filed. By contrast, "archived" criminal cases are closed matters that have aged past the judiciary's records-retention schedule and been transferred to off-site storage or archival facilities. Access remains public unless restricted by law; however, retrieval usually requires a written request to the clerk of court and may take additional time. Standard copy and certification fees apply.