Vermont Arrest Records
A person's interactions with law enforcement agencies are documented in Vermont's arrest records, an essential component of the state's criminal justice system. These records are usually accessible to the public and offer crucial details regarding an individual's arrest history.
Vermont arrest records contain details that can be used to identify the arrestee, like their name, race, birth date, and physical characteristics. It also includes information about the circumstances of the arrest, including the charges, the arrest location and time, the arresting agency, and the case status. An arrest record just documents the fact that the individual was taken into custody; it bears no indication of guilt or criminal conviction.
Compiling and analyzing arrest and crime data submitted by Vermont law enforcement agencies is the responsibility of the Vermont Criminal Information Center, which is part of the State of Vermont Department of Public Safety. These records are also maintained by county criminal courts, sheriff's offices, and municipal police departments.
Arrest records are presented alongside criminal records in Vermont. Since they include important details concerning an individual's past arrests, they are crucial for transparency and public safety in Vermont. Arrest records also form the basis for the prosecution of an individual.
Are Arrest Records Public in Vermont?
Yes. Access to public records maintained by the government, including arrest records, is authorized by the Access to Public Records Act (1 VSA § 316). The Act provides any person may view or make a copy of any public record of a public agency.
However, some information is exempt from public disclosure and may only be accessed by law enforcement agencies or the judiciary. According to 1 VSA § 317 (c) certain records may not be disclosed to the public. They include:
- Records that could reasonably be expected to endanger someone's life;
- Records whose exposure could be expected to amount to an unjustified breach of one's privacy;
- Records that could reasonably be expected to obstruct enforcement actions;
- Records that will deprive the accused of a right to a fair trial;
- Documents that reveal a confidential source's identity.
How Do I Look Up Arrest Records in Vermont?
To look up an arrest record in Vermont, inquirers may consider one of the following options:
Local Law Enforcement Agencies
The principal keeper of arrest records in each county is typically the local police department or the county sheriff's office, which is in charge of making the first arrest. Interested persons can request these records by contacting the enforcement agency that executed the arrest. This may be done via phone, in person, or via mail. For instance, the Chittenden County Sheriff's Office provides county citizens with in-person fingerprint-based background checks for licensing, employment, and adoption. Fingerprint services are available by appointment only and require a standard fee and processing fee. Interested persons may schedule an appointment on the agency's official site.
Vermont Department of Public Safety
Vermont arrest records may be accessed through the online criminal record check system run by the Vermont Department of Public Safety. The Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) is the official repository for Vermont crime data. It includes information such as arrest records, which law enforcement agencies provide.
To obtain an arrest record that led to a conviction, visit the Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service (VCCRIS). Inquirers will be required to enter a Name and Date of Birth information, and each conviction report will cost $30.00.
Anyone who requires a notarized copy of a criminal conviction report must make their requests via mail or through an in-person request at the VT Crime Information Center's main office in Waterbury, VT. Requests for record checks sent by US Mail are processed within 5 to 7 business days. In-person conviction records may be obtained in 10 minutes.
Interested persons may also contact the Vermont State Police to obtain arrest records. Requests can be made online or via mail.
To make an online request or a request via mail, requesters must provide the Vermont State Police case number or the name of parties involved, the date and type of incident, a valid email address, and a credit card for payment (for online requests), or a check payable to the VT Dept. of Public Safety (For requests via mail).
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The FBI Identity History Summary Checks (Rap Sheets) provides interested persons with a nationwide arrest record search service. An individual may obtain an arrest record from the FBI by submitting a request via:
The FBI does not release copies of arrest records to anyone other than the subject of the record. The cost to request an Identity History Summary Check is $18. Processing mail requests can take up to 57 days. For online inquiries, the processing time is approximately 15 days from receipt of the postal fingerprint card. It may also be 48 hours from the date of visiting a USPS location to submit an electronic fingerprint.
**Free Arrest Record Search in Vermont **
When there are noteworthy arrests or criminal or public safety issues, the Vermont State Police provides a news release. A daily incident summary log can be found on the VSP News Release blog. VSP occurrences, such as arrests from the previous 24 hours, are included in this log, which is automatically generated and posted every day. The details published include the arrest's date, time, officer, street, and municipality. Members of the public may access the news release blog at no cost.
Information concerning an arrest may also be obtained at no cost by going to the local police agency or the sheriff's office. Certain third-party websites also offer free record access.
How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Vermont?
There is no standard period for retaining arrest records in Vermont. Hence, arrest records typically stay on file forever. However, eligible persons may petition to have these records removed or restricted from public disclosure.
**How to Seal Arrest Record in Vermont **
In Vermont, a criminal history record is sealed when it is kept in a private file rather than being physically destroyed.
Eligible arrest record holders may submit a stipulation or Petition to Expunge or Seal a Criminal History. This petition may be forwarded to the criminal court in the county where the individual was accused or found guilty. The individual may file a request to have all or some of the records sealed or erased.
A person who was arrested but not convicted may apply to have their criminal history record expunged. The criminal history will either be sealed or expunged if the parties agree to the record's sealing or expungement or the court determines that doing so advances justice. For individuals cited or arrested after June 30, 2018, formal petitions are usually not required for sealings and expungements to occur.
Anyone who wishes to seal an arrest record must go through the following steps:
- Request to view the criminal record file from the court;
- Pay any restitution ordered by the court and any fines or fees assessed in full;
- Complete and file a Petition to Expunge or Seal Criminal History form for a fee of $90;
- The Clerk will provide the respondent (prosecutor) with a copy of the individual's petition.
- Response from the prosecutor: An expungement petition is granted if the prosecutor agrees with the petition. A court hearing is scheduled if the prosecutor refuses the petition;
- Response from the victim: The law requires the prosecutor to notify any known victim(s);
- If the court grants the petition, the individual will receive an order authorizing the expungement, redaction, or removal of the implicated record.
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