Vermont Warrant Search

Upon warrant issuance, the judge will immediately file a copy of the signed warrant, the original application, and the affidavit with the designated court clerk. Subsequently, the court clerk will assign a warrant identification number to the warrant and enter the warrant information into a warrant log and standardized database. The warrant document will be filed in a secure location. This allows individuals to request warrant records electronically or by paper to know if they are named on an active, pending, or outstanding warrant.

The Vermont Judiciary provides a statewide warrant search limited to authorized users. However, members of the public can retrieve warrant information from local law enforcement agencies like City Police Departments and County Sheriff’s Offices. Alternatively, requesters can use third-party platforms to conduct warrant searches nationwide.

What is a Warrant?

The Vermont Judiciary defines a warrant as a document issued by a judicial official authorizing the police to search premises, make an arrest, or carry out other action relating to the administration of justice. The most common warrants available in Vermont are bench, arrest, and search warrants.

Are Warrants Public Record in Vermont?

Yes. According to the Vermont Public Records Act, anyone can inspect or copy any public record, including the warrant records of a law enforcement agency. However, Vermont law prohibits law enforcement agencies from publicly disclosing juvenile and unexecuted search warrants. Also, active warrants that can jeopardize an ongoing investigation, the safety of an individual, lead to the destruction of evidence or cause a suspect to flee are deemed confidential in Vermont.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Vermont?

Individuals can look up warrants on third-party databases. Most of these sites provide countrywide warrant searches as opposed to government sites that only conduct searches within specific states.

The major way to conduct warrant look-ups on third-party sites is by first and last name. The search will return basic warrant information without charges. However, extensive searches come with a cost. Typically, users should expect to pay between $2.95 and $4.95 for a 7-day unlimited access. A monthly subscription fee costs between $19.95 and $24.95.

What is a Search Warrant in Vermont?

Per V.R.Cr.P. Rule 41, a Vermont search warrant can only be issued by a judicial officer upon request of an authorized person like a law enforcement officer or a state attorney. There must be probable cause to believe that grounds for the warrant application exist based upon an affidavit(s), sworn testimony, or both. A warrant may be issued to:

• Search for and seize any:
  • Evidence of the commission of a crime
  • Things that are criminally possessed, like contraband or the fruits of crime.
  • Things like weapons used in or about to be used to commit a crime.
  • A person who has been kidnapped, unlawfully imprisoned, or restrained in violation of state laws.
• Search for a person whose arrest is authorized by law
• Monitor conversations with a party’s consent to obtain evidence of the commission of a crime
• attach, use, or enter a premise to install or use a tracking device to monitor the movement of a person/property to get evidence of the commission of a crime.

A search warrant must specifically state the property, item, or name/describe the person or place to be searched. It must contain a command to conduct a search, the deadline for service, the time of service (6 a.m. and 10 p.m.), and a command to return the warrant to the designated court.

• Are Search Warrants Public Records in Vermont

  Yes, search warrants are considered public records in Vermont. However, unexecuted search warrants and supporting documents like affidavits are confidential until execution. Additionally, active search warrants whose disclosure will jeopardize an ongoing investigation, the safety of an individual, lead to the destruction of evidence or cause a suspect to flee are sealed.

• How Long Does it Take to Get a Search Warrant in Vermont?

  Getting a search warrant in Vermont takes about a few minutes to a few hours. Law enforcement officers will quickly get a search warrant when they can establish probable cause that a search is necessary.

• How Long Does a Search Warrant Last

  Per Vt. R. Crim. P. 41, a search warrant must be executed within 10 days from the date of issuance. However, the return can be filed 5 days after the execution of the warrant. If the return was filed electronically, the original documents must be filed within 15 days following electronic submission. A search warrant for Monitoring a Conversation is valid for 90 days, while a Warrant for a Tracking Device is valid for 10 days.

What is a Bench Warrant in Vermont?

Per 13 V.S.A. § 7180, a bench warrant is issued by a judge is a defendant fails to appear in response to a judicial summons. It commands a law enforcement officer to arrest the defendant and bring them immediately to court. The warrant must be executed during court hours only.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Vermont?

Per Vt. R. Crim. P. 4, a judge issues an arrest warrant when there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and the defendant committed it. Afterward, the judge will file a copy of the warrant, the indictment or information, and an affidavit or sworn statement in the court having jurisdiction over the offense. The arrest warrant will be directed to any law enforcement officer in Vermont. It must contain the defendant’s name or any identifiable description and command that the defendant be arrested and brought before the nearest available judge. The executing officer must return the warrant with the indictment or information and affidavit or sworn statement to the judge before whom the defendant is brought.

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Vermont

Some common ways to check if a person has a warrant are by phone or in person at local law enforcement agencies. All requests should be made during the agency’s business hours. In-person requesters bring along their IDs.

Alternatively, requesters can submit a Criminal Record Check Request & Reply form by mail to the court in their county. This would turn out results on existing warrants. The search fee costs $30 per name, photocopies cost $0.25 per page, and $5 for certification. Individuals can also conduct a personal criminal record check in person or by mail at the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC). In-person requesters must visit the office between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. with the necessary IDs. mail requesters must submit a Request for Personal Criminal Record Check form to the Criminal Records Section. This service costs $30 per copy, payable by credit card, money order, bank check, or cash.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Vermont?

Yes, one can check warrants online on most law enforcement agencies’ databases. Some agencies have warrant search tools, while others publish warrant information in their press release section. For example, individuals can find warrants on the Windham County Sheriff’s Office's Press Release page.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

Below are some ways of finding warrants for free in Vermont:

• Visit the nearest city police department or county sheriff’s office during normal business hours
• Visit the issuing court during normal business hours
• Check online portals provided by law enforcement agencies
• Use the public access terminal (PAT) available in most courthouses to conduct a criminal record check. Search by case number or party name.

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online For Free in Vermont

The Vermont Judiciary Public Portal now has an enhanced functionality for searching for criminal arrest warrants in the state. However, this service is not open to the public. Authorized users can find the warrant option under the “Advanced Filtering Options,” which is checked by default to search for warrants and cases. Review the Warrant Searches Guide for more information on how to use this new feature.

Members of the public can check local law enforcement agencies’ databases for warrant information at no cost. For example, the Norfolk Police Department provides access to warrant records through its Open Data tool. On getting to the open data tool, click “Data” on the top bar to view the warrant list. Conversely, the Burlington Police Department (BPD) provides free downloadable Arrest and Search Warrant Information on its press release page.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Vermont?

In Vermont, bench and arrest warrants remain active indefinitely until the subject of the warrant is arrested and taken into custody or brought before a judge. This means that bench and arrest warrants do not have expiry dates, so agencies can arrest at any time, regardless of warrant issuance date. In contrast, search warrants expire after 10 days from the issuance date.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Federal Warrant?

The best method of finding federal warrants is online via federal law enforcement databases. A typical example is the Warrant Information System maintained by the United States Marshals Service (USMS). Unfortunately, this service is not available to the public. Members of the public can check their warrant status by reviewing the Fugitive Lists provided by the USMS and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).