{"id":371463,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:20","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/alaska-law\/alaska-stalking-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-06-08T18:01:36","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T23:01:36","slug":"alaska-stalking-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alaska-law\/alaska-stalking-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Alaska Stalking Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Alaska Stalking Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Alaska<\/span> recognizes two levels of stalking: second-degree<\/span> stalking is a Class A<\/span> misdemeanor<\/span> punishable by up to one year<\/span> in jail, while first-degree<\/span> stalking is a Class C felony<\/span> with aggravating factors that can result in up to five years in prison.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Note:<\/b> If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault<\/a>, or your local police department.<\/i><\/p>\n

While stalking laws vary from state to state, most jurisdictions define the crime as a course of nonconsensual contact that causes a victim to fear death or physical injury. Alaska<\/span> law<\/span><\/a> defines the crime of stalking<\/span> as a pattern of malicious behavior toward a victim that places them in fear for their life and physical safety.<\/p>\n

This article discusses Alaska<\/span>\u2019s stalking statutes<\/a> in more detail, including the penalties and possible defenses to this crime. It also examines and explains how the courts distinguish between first-degree<\/span> and second-degree<\/span> stalking.<\/p>\n

The penalties for stalking in Alaska<\/span> can be quite severe. If you find yourself facing charges, consider speaking with a seasoned criminal defense attorney<\/a> after your arrest.<\/p>\n

How Does Alaska<\/span> Law<\/span> Define the Crime of Stalking<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Alaska<\/span>\u2019s definition of stalking<\/a> is similar to that of most other states. Alaska<\/span> law<\/span> defines stalking as knowingly or recklessly engaging in a course of conduct<\/span> that places the victim in fear of death<\/span> or physical injury. It also extends to behavior that makes the victim fear the death or physical injury of a <\/span>family member<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The Alaska<\/span> Supreme Court<\/a> has defined \u201ccourse of conduct<\/span>\u201d as a series of repeated acts<\/span> over time. It is not enough that an individual makes contact with a person one time or several times over a short period. The state must prove that the defendant engaged in repeated acts<\/span> against the person<\/span> over a period of time. If the prosecutor cannot prove each element of the statutory definition of stalking beyond a reasonable doubt<\/a>, the court must dismiss the charges or enter an acquittal.<\/p>\n

First-Degree<\/span> Stalking vs. Second-Degree<\/span> Stalking<\/h2>\n

Most states break the crime of stalking<\/span> into degrees. For example, New York law<\/a> recognizes third- and fourth-degree stalking. Alaska<\/span> statutes<\/span> recognize only first- and second-degree<\/span> stalking.<\/p>\n

The primary difference between the classifications is that a person commits first-degree<\/span> stalking when aggravating factors<\/a>\u00a0are\u00a0present. For example, if a person in Alaska<\/span> stalks a person under 16 years of age, they\u2019ll face first-degree<\/span> stalking charges because the victim is a young minor. Had the victim been older than 16, the defendant might have faced second-degree<\/span> stalking charges instead.<\/p>\n

Some of the aggravating factors that can escalate a second-degree<\/span> stalking charge into a first-degree<\/span> stalking charge include, but are not limited to, the following:<\/p>\n