Expungement in Alaska
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Alaska allows expungement of arrests and convictions under specific conditions, including automatic sealing for some cases.
How Alaska treats Expungement
Alaska permits expungement of arrests that did not result in conviction and allows sealing of certain convictions under Alaska Stat. § 12.55.120. Some cases seal automatically after a waiting period if no new convictions occur. Felony convictions generally require a petition to the court, while misdemeanors may be sealed more readily. Once sealed, you can legally deny the arrest or conviction occurred, except when applying for certain professional licenses or government positions.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Alaska.