Criminal records in Anchorage, Alaska can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. AnchorageAKCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for Anchorage. The Alaska Court System maintains a statewide case database, while the Alaska Department of Public Safety manages criminal history records. The Municipality of Anchorage and the Anchorage Trial Courts also handle records requests directly.
How to Search Criminal Records in Anchorage
Several methods are available for searching criminal records in Anchorage. What you need to get started depends on the method you choose.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Full legal name of the person (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth (helpful for narrowing results)
- Case number (if known — the fastest way to pull a specific record)
Online Search Options
- AnchorageAKCourt.us — Search for publicly available criminal court record information filed in Anchorage.
- Alaska Court System CourtView — The statewide case search portal operated by the Alaska Court System. CourtView provides a name index of trial court cases, including criminal filings. Note: a CourtView search is not a criminal history records check. Some case records may not appear on CourtView due to confidentiality rules or processing delays.
- CourtView Online Information page — Explains what data is and is not available through the system, including limitations on sealed, expunged, or confidential records.
- Criminal Charges Filed report — A weekly report published by the Alaska Court System listing criminal charges filed in the past seven days, including Anchorage cases.
- Active Warrants list — The Alaska State Troopers publish active warrants on the Department of Public Safety website.
- DPS Daily Dispatch — Provides press releases and dispatch information from the Alaska Department of Public Safety, including criminal justice–related reports.
- U.S. District Court, District of Alaska — For federal criminal cases filed in Anchorage, search through the federal court's PACER system.
In Person
Visit the Anchorage Trial Courts to search court records at public access terminals or request assistance from the clerk's office. You may review non-confidential case files during business hours. Photo ID is required for confidential record requests.
Anchorage Trial Courts
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request for court records to the Anchorage Trial Courts. The TF-311 ANCH form provides Anchorage-specific instructions for requesting records. The court cannot research cases or take record requests over the phone — written requests must include the case number or enough identifying information to locate the file. Include payment for any applicable copy fees.
For a formal criminal history records check (as opposed to a court case search), contact the Alaska Department of Public Safety, which serves as the state criminal history repository.
Search Anchorage Criminal Cases by Case Number
Searching by case number is the most direct way to find a specific criminal case in Anchorage. Alaska case numbers follow a standard format:
3AN-YY-NNNNN CR
- 3AN — The court location code. "3" refers to the Third Judicial District, and "AN" identifies Anchorage.
- YY — The two-digit year the case was filed (e.g., 25 for 2025).
- NNNNN — A sequential filing number assigned by the court.
- CR — The case type code. "CR" indicates a criminal case. Other codes include "MI" for minor offense and "SA" for prior criminal case types.
If you have a case number, enter it into CourtView to pull the case record directly. This bypasses the need for name-based searching and avoids issues with common names or misspellings.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Anchorage
Criminal case records in Anchorage contain several key data points. Here is what each one means:
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The Alaska Statute (AS) section the defendant is charged under (e.g., AS 11.41.100 for Murder in the First Degree) |
| Severity | Felony (classes A, B, C, or unclassified), misdemeanor (classes A or B), or violation/infraction |
| Amended charges | Charges may be amended by the prosecution — the original and amended charges both appear in the record |
| Count number | Each separate charge in a case is assigned a count number |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting resolution.
- Active — Proceedings are underway (hearings scheduled, motions pending).
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal).
- Closed — All obligations fulfilled, no further court action expected.
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — The defendant is formally read the charges and enters an initial plea.
- Preliminary hearing — A judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases).
- Pre-trial conference — Attorneys discuss case status, potential plea agreements, and trial readiness.
- Trial — The case is heard before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing — The judge imposes a sentence after a conviction or guilty plea.
- Review hearing — Follow-up hearing to monitor compliance with probation or other conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was found guilty or pleaded guilty |
| Not guilty | The defendant was acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | The charges were dropped by the prosecution or dismissed by the court |
| No contest (nolo contendere) | The defendant accepted a conviction without admitting guilt |
| Suspended imposition of sentence (SIS) | The court defers sentencing; successful completion may result in dismissal |
| Acquitted | Found not guilty after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Anchorage
Certified copies of court records and official criminal history reports come from different offices depending on what you need.
Court Records (Certified Copies of Case Files)
The Anchorage Trial Courts clerk's office handles requests for certified copies of criminal case documents — including judgments, dispositions, and charging documents.
- Complete the TF-311 ANCH request form (Anchorage-specific) or the general TF-311 form.
- Include the case number and specify which documents you need.
- Submit the form in person or by mail to the Anchorage Trial Courts.
- Pay the applicable copy and certification fees.
- If requesting confidential records, present a valid photo ID to the court clerk.
Anchorage Trial Courts — Clerk's Office
Criminal History Records (Background Checks)
For an official criminal history record — as opposed to a court case file — contact the Alaska Department of Public Safety. The DPS maintains the state's criminal history repository and processes fingerprint-based background checks under Alaska Statute 12.62.
Requests for criminal history records typically require fingerprinting and a signed release. Employers, licensing agencies, and individuals may request their own records through DPS.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Anchorage
Fees for criminal records in Anchorage vary depending on the type of record and the agency handling the request.
Alaska Court System Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents | $0.25 per page |
| Certification of a document | $5.00 per document |
| CourtView online search | Free |
These fees are established by Alaska Administrative Rule 9. Payment is typically accepted in person by cash, check, or money order. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to the Alaska Court System.
Criminal History Record Check Fees (DPS)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| State criminal history check (name-based) | $20.00 |
| State criminal history check (fingerprint-based) | $35.00 |
| FBI fingerprint-based check (if required) | Additional federal fee applies |
Processing Times
- CourtView online search — Immediate results for cases in the system.
- In-person court record copies — Often available the same day if the file is accessible.
- Mail requests to the court — Allow 1–2 weeks for processing and return.
- DPS criminal history checks — Name-based checks may take several business days. Fingerprint-based checks typically take 2–4 weeks, depending on volume and whether an FBI check is included.
Fees and processing times are subject to change. Confirm current amounts directly with the Alaska Court System or the Municipality of Anchorage before submitting a request.