First-Degree (Class A) Felony in Alaska

In Alaska, first-degree felonies are mainly grouped under unclassified offenses or class A felonies. Unclassified offenses refer to serious crimes that carry the most severe penalties. For instance, persons convicted of first-degree murder may face up to 99 years in prison and a maximum of $500,000 in fines.

In contrast, Section 11.81.250 of the Alaska Statutes defines class A felonies as severe offenses that either lead to grievous physical injuries or are likely to cause grievous injuries. Class A felony offenders may receive up to 20 years in jail or pay up to $250,000 in fines.

The public may also find first-degree felonies under Class B and C felony classifications. Examples of such felonies include first-degree stalking and burglary.

Alaska law classifies felony offenses based on these factors, such as the type of crime, the severity of the crime, and the injury caused. Based on these factors, there are three classes of felonies in Alaska:

• Class A felony.
• Class B felony.
• Class C felony

Public Access to First-Degree Felony Records in Alaska

Alaska’s first-degree felony records are mainly accessible to the public. Public members may access the record by using resources provided by local- and state-level entities. At the state level, the Alaska Court System maintains a searchable portal for felony court records. Inquirers may locate the records by using these steps:

1. Select the court type where the case was heard. The platform offers the following searches:
   1. Appellate court case search.
   2. Trial court case search.
2. Fill in relevant search details like the case party names, number, and attorney name.

Note: There are no fees or charges for viewing records on the platform.

Alternatively, you may look up Alaska felony court records via the Borough superior court clerks’ offices. These clerks typically maintain records of felony case events that occurred within a borough. For instance, you may look up Matanuska-Susitna felony court records via mail or email request to the Palmer court clerk’s office at:

Palmer Court Clerk
435 South Denali Street,
Palmer, AK 99645-6437
Phone: (907) 746-8181
Fax: (907) 746-8152
Email: 3PACopy@akcourts.us.

The court clerk may require a completed request form, valid IDs, or copy fees. You need a valid ID to obtain confidential felony court records in the county. That being said, the court clerk charges $5 for the first requested court document and $3 per additional copy ordered at the same time.

Common Crimes Classified as First-Degree Felonies in Alaska

In Alaska, Class A or first-degree felonies may include the following:

• Murder in the first degree.
• Sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree.
• Misconduct involving a controlled substance in the first degree.
• Arson in the first degree.
• Sex trafficking in the first degree.
• First-degree stalking.
• First-degree burglary.

The FBI’s Crime Data Explorer provides information on documented first-degree felonies in Alaska. Per the agency’s 2024 report, Alaska law enforcement agencies documented 20 first-degree murders and non-negligent murders, 2,173 assaults, 488 rapes, and five human trafficking crimes.

Prison Sentences and Fines for Class A (First-Degree) Felonies in Alaska

Alaska imposes different penalties for first-degree offenses. In most cases, these penalties may depend on the crime type, number of prior convictions, and circumstances around the incident.

Based on crime classification, the sentencing range is 30 to 99 years for first-degree crimes under unclassified felonies. Offenders may also pay up to $500,000 in fines. In contrast, persons convicted of Class A felonies may face up to 20 years in jail and pay a maximum of $250,000.

In terms of the number of prior convictions, a first conviction for sexual assault in the first degree will result in a 30-year maximum jail term. The penalty, however, becomes a 90-year jail term for third-time convictions.

What is the Maximum Sentence for a Class A (First Degree) Felony in Alaska?

Under Alaska statutes, the maximum sentence is 99 years for a first-degree felony. The state may also impose the maximum fine of $500,000 on severe first-degree crimes like murder.

Typically, the crime type and severity will determine if the offender gets the maximum sentence. Persons convicted of less severe crimes may get a minimum 30-year sentence. However, offenders may get the maximum sentence in crimes where the victim was a minor.

Note: The number of prior convictions might determine if you will get the maximum sentence. Offenders with more than three convictions may receive harsher sentences.

What is First Degree Murder in Alaska?

Under Sec. 11.41.100, it's a first-degree murder when the offender had the intent to cause the death of another person and the act:

• Led to the death of any person;
• Compelled or induced a person to commit suicide.

It’s also a first-degree murder if:

• The offender inflicted physical injury that led to a minor’s death.
• The offender’s action during a criminal act led to the death of a non-participant.

Under Alaska laws, a first-degree murder is an unclassified felony. In other words, the offense is not listed under the felony classes and may attract the most severe penalties. For example, persons convicted of first-degree murder may receive the maximum 99-year jail term. Note that Alaska does not have a life imprisonment sentence.

Can First Degree Felony Records Be Sealed or Expunged in Alaska?

Alaska state laws generally allow the sealing of some first-degree felony records. However, they prevent the expungement or erasure of felony records unless the offender was wrongly accused or convicted of marijuana possession.

Sealing a court record is not the same as expungement. Sealed court records are still accessible, but only to specific parties. The court typically releases such records to case parties, legal representatives, and crime victims.

That being said, first-degree felony conviction records are not eligible for sealing in Alaska. Examples of such records include:

• First-degree murder
• First-degree sexual assaults.
• First-degree stalking.
• Arson in the first degree.

On the other hand, you may seal non-conviction felony records if:

• It has been more than 60 days since an acquittal or dismissal.
• The charges were dismissed as a result of the following:
  • No probable cause.
  • The prosecutor refused to file charges.
  • Mistaken identity.
  • Insufficient evidence that the petitioner was a victim.

Difference Between First-Degree and Second-Degree Felonies in Alaska

In Alaska, the main difference between a first- and second-degree felony is the severity of the crime. First-degree felonies usually involve an element of intent or premeditation. In addition, they pose a potentially high risk or harm to crime victims.

Second-degree felonies, in contrast, show a lack of intent or premeditation. They are often the result of extreme recklessness.

These felony classifications are also different based on their imposed penalties. First-degree felonies generally have more severe penalties than second-degree crimes. For instance, first-degree stalking may incur a 5-year sentence and up to $50,000 in fines. In contrast, convicted offenders may face up to one year for second-degree stalking.

Statute of Limitations for First-Degree Felony Charges in Alaska

In Alaska, the statute of limitations is when you may legally prosecute offenders for crimes. The statute of limitations for first-degree felony charges may differ based on the severity of the crime.

Felonies, including those in the first degree, have a 10-year statute of limitations in Alaska. However, there are exceptions to this rule; some first-degree felonies are so severe that they do not have a statute of limitations. Examples of offenses with no statute of limitations are:

• Murder.
• Attempted murder.
• Sexual assault of a minor.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex trafficking.

Probation and Parole Eligibility for First-Degree Felonies in Alaska

Under AS 12.55.090(c), individuals convicted of first-degree felonies are generally eligible for probation or parole. Note that eligibility for these options is usually determined by the crime type, severity, and the judge’s discretion.

First-degree felony offenders may receive probation in lieu of a prison sentence under these conditions:

• The defendant pleads guilty to a crime.
• The prosecution and defendant agree to it.

The probation may be limited to one or more counts or extend to cover the entire sentence. That being said, a probation period may not exceed 25 years for felony sex offenses and 10 years for other felonies.
Unlike probation, parole only applies to persons convicted and sentenced for a crime. Persons convicted of first-degree felonies may be eligible for parole under these conditions:

• They were of good moral conduct and had served one-third to one-fourth of their sentence.
• They are at least 60 years old and have served a minimum of ten years out of their sentence.
• They were diagnosed with a severe cognitive or medical condition, which may likely result in death.

The Alaska Parole Board reviews all applications for parole and may determine the offender’s likelihood of committing another offense. The board may consider the severity of the crime and the victims’ inputs before making a decision.

Note: Not all first-degree felony convictions are eligible for parole. Persons sentenced to one or more 99-year jail terms do not qualify for discretionary parole, AS 33.16.090.

Impact of a Class A (First-Degree) Felony Conviction on Criminal Records in Alaska

In Alaska, first-degree felonies are publicly accessible on criminal records. The damning aspect is that these records cannot be sealed or expunged. Thus, convicted offenders may face severe and lasting consequences, such as the following:

Difficulty in future employment: Employers may conduct background checks on prospective employees. Persons convicted of first-degree crimes may lose their chances of working in specific industries like healthcare and education.

Challenges with housing: Landlords and housing authorities also verify that a prospective tenant is not a risk to other occupants or properties. Thus, they may deny rents from convicted felons.

Loss of civil rights, such as the right to vote or bear firearms: Currently incarcerated offenders are unable to vote in Alaska. The state may restore voting rights after they complete court-mandated sentences or programs. Felony convictions also affect an offender’s right to bear arms. Offenders may regain their rights after a set timeframe.