"Statutes of limitations" are laws that set time limits on how long you have to file a "civil" lawsuit, like a personal injury lawsuit, or how long the state has to prosecute someone for committing a crime. These time limits usually depend on the legal claim or crime involved in the case, and they're different from state to state. For example, in some states you may have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit after you were hurt in car accident, but in other states you may have two years. As a general rule:
- The time period begins to run on the date your claim arises or "accrues," like the day of the car accident, or when a crime is committed, and
- Once the statute of limitations has expired or "run," you can't file a lawsuit (or be prosecuted for a crime)
Below are the statutes of limitations in Alaska for various civil claims and crimes. The list doesn't cover everything. Also, the laws may change at anytime, so be sure to check the current laws and read them carefully, or talk to an attorney, if you have any questions.
Civil
Note: Most of the civil statute of limitations are in Title 9, Chapter 9.10 Alaska Statutes. You need to use the links on the web site provided or scroll down to see the code sections noted below. Also, you may scroll through the laws to find the statute of limitations for civil claims or "causes of action" not listed below.
Description |
Statute
|
Assault and Battery, 2 years |
Alaska Stat. § 9.10.070 |
Contract (in writing), 3 Years |
Alaska Stat. § 9.10.053 |
Contract (oral or not in writing), 3 Years |
Alaska Stat. § 9.10.053 |
False Imprisonment, 2 years |
Alaska Stat. § 9.10.070 |
Fraud, 10 years |
Alaska Stat. § 9.10.100 |
Enforcing Court Judgments, 10 years |
Alaska Stat. § 9.10.050 |
Legal Malpractice, 2 years |
Alaska Stat. § 9.10.070 |
Libel, 2 years |
Alaska Stat. § 9.10.070 |
Medical Malpractice, 2 years |
Alaska Stat. § 9.10.070 |
Personal Injury, 2 years |
Alaska Stat. § 9.10.070 |
Product Liability, 2 years |
Alaska Stat. § 9.10.070 |
Property Damage, 2 years |
Alaska Stat. § 9.10.070 |
Slander, 2 years |
Alaska Stat. § 9.10.070 |
Trespass, 6 years |
Alaska Stat. § 9.10.050 |
Wrongful Death, 2 years |
Alaska Stat. § 9.10.070 |
Criminal
Note: Most of the Alaska criminal statute of limitations are in Title 12, Chapter 12.10 Alaska Statutes. You need to use the links on the web site or scroll down to see the code sections noted below. Also, you can scroll through the criminal laws (found in Title 11) to find crimes not listed below and then use Title 12, Chapter 12.10 to find the statutes of limitations for those crimes.
Description |
Statute
|
Arson, 5 years |
Alaska Stat. § 12.10.010(b)(2) |
Assault and Battery, 10 years |
Alaska Stat. § 12.10.010(b)(1) |
Burglary, 5 years |
Alaska Stat. § 12.10.010(b)(2) |
Disorderly Conduct, 5 years |
Alaska Stat. § 12.10.010(b)(1) |
Kidnapping, No time limit |
Alaska Stat. § 12.10.010(a)(6) |
Manslaughter, voluntary, 10 years |
Alaska Stat. § 12.10.010(b)(1) |
Manslaughter, involuntary, 10 years |
Alaska Stat. § 12.10.010(b)(1) |
Murder, No time limit |
Alaska Stat. § 12.10.010(a)(1) |
Rape, No time limit |
Alaska Stat. § 12.10.010(a)(6) |
Receiving Stolen Property, 5 years |
Alaska Stat. § 12.10.010(b)(2) |
Robbery, 10 years |
Alaska Stat. § 12.10.010(b)(1) |
Theft, 5 years |
Alaska Stat. § 12.10.010(b)(2) |