Alaska § 12.36.045 - When finder of property is considered the owner.
Full text of Alaska Alaska Statutes § 12.36.045 — When finder of property is considered the owner., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12.36.045. When finder of property is considered the owner.
(a) When a private individual obtains property of another that is lost, mislaid, or delivered to the individual by mistake, the individual delivers that property to a law enforcement agency, and the true owner of the property remains unknown for a period of one year or does not claim the property within one year, the individual delivering the property shall be considered the owner of the property under this chapter if possession of the property by the individual is otherwise legal. If, after the one-year period, the private individual who delivered the property to the law enforcement agency cannot be found or does not want the property, the property shall be disposed of by the agency as if the owner is unknown.
(b) This section does not apply to property that comes into the custody of a law enforcement agency of a municipality that has adopted an ordinance providing for the custody and disposition of property that meets the requirements specified in AS 12.36.030 (c).
Source: official Alaska text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska § 12.36.045
What does Alaska Statutes § 12.36.045 cover?
Section 12.36.045 ("When finder of property is considered the owner.") is part of the Alaska Statutes, the codified statutory law of Alaska. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alaska § 12.36.045?
A common citation format is "Alaska Statutes § 12.36.045" (Alaska). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alaska law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alaska official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alaska attorney.
How does Alaska § 12.36.045 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alaska can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alaska.