If you or someone you know is seeking assistance with criminal records in Alaska, there are various resources that can help with expungement, sealing records, or navigating the legal system. Here are some resources available for individuals in Alaska:
### **1. Alaska Court System - Expungement Information**
- **Purpose**: The Alaska Court System provides information on expungement and sealing of criminal records. Expungement is available for certain offenses, and sealing is an option for individuals who have completed their sentence and wish to clear their records.
- **Contact**:
- **Website**: [www.courts.alaska.gov](https://public.courts.alaska.gov)
- **Phone**: **(907) 264-8220** (Alaska Court System Main Line)
- **Services**:
- Provides instructions and forms for petitioning for expungement of certain criminal records.
- Offers guidance on who is eligible for expungement or sealing of records.
- Gives information on how to file a motion to seal or expunge a record.
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### **2. Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC)**
- **Purpose**: ALSC provides free legal aid to eligible low-income individuals in Alaska, including those seeking help with criminal records or expungement.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **(907) 272-9431** (Anchorage)
- **Toll-Free**: **1-888-478-2572** (Outside Anchorage)
- **Website**: [www.alsc-law.org](https://www.alsc-law.org)
- **Services**:
- Provides legal assistance with criminal record sealing and expungement.
- Offers help with understanding eligibility criteria and the legal process.
- Offers consultations and representation for eligible individuals.
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### **3. Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS)**
- **Purpose**: The Department of Public Safety provides background checks and manages the state’s criminal records database. They can provide information about accessing or reviewing criminal records.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **(907) 269-5511** (Background Checks)
- **Website**: [dps.alaska.gov](http://dps.alaska.gov)
- **Services**:
- Conducts background checks for employment, housing, and other purposes.
- Offers guidance on the process for clearing or expunging criminal records from the database.
- Provides instructions for requesting criminal history information.
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### **4. The Innocence Project of Alaska**
- **Purpose**: The Innocence Project of Alaska works to help individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and seek to clear their names. They focus on cases where DNA evidence or other factors suggest innocence.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **(907) 277-4047**
- **Website**: [www.innocenceprojectak.org](http://www.innocenceprojectak.org)
- **Services**:
- Works on cases of wrongful conviction and provides legal assistance to clear records for innocent individuals.
- Offers support for individuals seeking to prove their innocence and address criminal records resulting from wrongful convictions.
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### **5. Alaska Public Defender Agency**
- **Purpose**: The Alaska Public Defender Agency offers legal representation for individuals accused of crimes. They may assist with criminal cases and issues related to criminal records.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **(907) 265-3500**
- **Website**: [defender.alaska.gov](https://publicdefender.alaska.gov)
- **Services**:
- Provides defense in criminal cases.
- May assist with post-conviction matters, including efforts to expunge or seal criminal records for eligible individuals.
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### **6. Alaska Justice for All (AJA)**
- **Purpose**: Alaska Justice for All is an initiative to improve access to justice for individuals in Alaska, including those facing legal challenges related to criminal records.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **(907) 222-6600**
- **Website**: [justiceforall.org](https://www.justiceforall.org)
- **Services**:
- Provides a variety of legal resources, including information on criminal record expungement and sealing.
- Offers online resources for those seeking to navigate the legal system, including help with criminal records.
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### **7. National Expungement Week (NEE) - Alaska Chapter**
- **Purpose**: National Expungement Week (NEE) is a nationwide initiative that aims to provide free legal assistance for individuals seeking to expunge or seal their criminal records. The Alaska chapter organizes events and provides resources for those in need.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **1-877-303-2098**
- **Website**: [expungementweek.org](https://www.expungementweek.org)
- **Services**:
- Hosts expungement clinics and events, offering free legal support and guidance for people seeking to clear their criminal records.
- Provides workshops and resources about the expungement process.
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### **8. RecordSealing.org (National Resource, Includes Alaska)**
- **Purpose**: A national organization offering resources and information about criminal record sealing and expungement. They provide guidance for individuals in Alaska looking to clear their criminal records.
- **Contact**:
- **Website**: [recordsealing.org](https://www.recordsealing.org)
- **Services**:
- Provides step-by-step guidance on how to seal or expunge a criminal record.
- Offers links to local legal resources and self-help tools.
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### **9. Alaska Bar Association**
- **Purpose**: The Alaska Bar Association is a professional organization for lawyers in the state. They provide a lawyer referral service that can connect individuals with attorneys who specialize in criminal record expungement and sealing.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **(907) 272-7469**
- **Website**: [www.alaskabar.org](https://www.alaskabar.org)
- **Services**:
- Provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking legal assistance with criminal record issues.
- Offers information on the legal process for expungement and sealing of criminal records in Alaska.
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### **10. Legal Aid Services of Alaska (LASA)**
- **Purpose**: Legal Aid Services of Alaska offers free legal assistance to low-income individuals, including those seeking help with criminal record issues such as sealing or expungement.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **(907) 272-9431**
- **Toll-Free**: **1-888-478-2572**
- **Website**: [www.lasa.org](https://www.lasa.org)
- **Services**:
- Provides free legal consultations and representation for low-income individuals seeking to clear criminal records.
- Offers guidance on eligibility and the process for expunging or sealing criminal records.
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### **How to Expunge or Seal a Criminal Record in Alaska:**
1. **Eligibility**: Check whether you meet the eligibility requirements for expungement or sealing. In Alaska, certain offenses (e.g., misdemeanors or cases where charges were dismissed) may be eligible for expungement or sealing.
2. **Petition the Court**: File a motion or petition to expunge or seal your criminal record with the court. Forms are available through the Alaska Court System’s website.
3. **Consult with Legal Aid or a Lawyer**: Consider seeking legal assistance to guide you through the process. Organizations like ALSC and private attorneys can help with paperwork and represent you in court.
4. **Submit Required Documentation**: You may need to provide additional documents such as proof of completed sentence, good behavior, or that the charges were dismissed.
These resources should provide support and guidance in addressing criminal records in Alaska. Let me know if you need additional details or help navigating these options!