Chittenden County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Chittenden County
Arrest records in Chittenden County are generally considered public information under Vermont's Public Records Act, codified in 1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320. This statute establishes that all records produced or acquired by public agencies during the course of their business are public records, with certain exceptions. The Vermont Public Records Act operates under the presumption that government records should be accessible to the public to ensure transparency and accountability in government operations.
It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding. Under Vermont law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though with different levels of restriction.
The Vermont Crime Information Center maintains criminal history record information and serves as the central repository for such data in the state. Pursuant to 20 V.S.A. § 2056a, certain criminal record information is available to the public, though some records may be subject to restrictions based on the nature of the case, the age of the individual at the time of the offense, or other factors established by state law.
Law enforcement agencies in Chittenden County, including the Vermont State Police and local police departments, maintain arrest records that may be accessed through formal public records requests. However, certain information within these records may be redacted or withheld if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or could compromise an ongoing investigation, as permitted under 1 V.S.A. § 317(c).
What's in Chittenden County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Chittenden County typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized to ensure consistency across jurisdictions and to facilitate information sharing between agencies. Standard components of arrest records include:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Home address
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- State identification number
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Use of force information, if applicable
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
- Victim information (with appropriate redactions)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Judge who signed the warrant
- Probable cause statement
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
- Medical screening results (with appropriate privacy protections)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Conditions of release
- Information regarding payment or non-payment
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Name of assigned judge
- Public defender assignment or private counsel information
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration, if applicable
- Release date, if applicable
- Probation or parole information
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Risk assessment results
- Behavioral observations during arrest and booking
- Special custody requirements
- Immigration status or detainer information
The Chittenden County State's Attorney's Office maintains records related to the prosecution of cases resulting from arrests, which may contain additional information about court proceedings and case dispositions.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Chittenden County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Chittenden County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The process typically involves submitting formal requests to the appropriate agencies that maintain these records. Individuals may follow these steps to access arrest records:
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Identify the appropriate agency: Determine which law enforcement agency made the arrest. Chittenden County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Burlington Police Department, South Burlington Police Department, Essex Police Department, Colchester Police Department, Winooski Police Department, and the Vermont State Police. A comprehensive list of police agencies in Chittenden County can be found in the Police Services in Chittenden County report.
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Submit a public records request: Prepare a written request specifying the information sought. Requests should include:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Any other identifying information that may assist in locating the record
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Submit the request to the records custodian: Each agency has a designated records custodian responsible for processing public records requests.
Burlington Police Department
1 North Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 658-2704
Burlington Police Department
Vermont State Police - Williston Barracks
2777 St. George Road
Williston, VT 05495
(802) 878-7111
Vermont State Police
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Pay applicable fees: Agencies may charge reasonable fees for searching, retrieving, and copying records pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 316. Fee schedules are typically available on agency websites or upon request.
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Review response: Agencies must respond to requests within 3 business days, either by providing the records, denying the request with a written explanation, or indicating that more time is needed (up to 10 additional days) as required by 1 V.S.A. § 318.
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Appeal if necessary: If a request is denied, individuals have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process is outlined in 1 V.S.A. § 319 and typically involves submitting a written appeal to the head of the agency.
For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may also submit requests to the Vermont Crime Information Center, which maintains the state's central repository of criminal records.
How To Find Chittenden County Arrest Records Online
Chittenden County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information through online resources. The digital availability of these records enhances public access while reducing administrative burden on government agencies. The following online resources are available for locating arrest records in Chittenden County:
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Vermont Judiciary Public Portal: The Vermont Judiciary maintains an online case management system that allows public access to court records, including criminal cases resulting from arrests. The portal can be accessed at Vermont Judiciary Public Portal.
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Vermont Department of Corrections Inmate Locator: For individuals who have been sentenced and are in the custody of the corrections system, the Vermont Department of Corrections maintains an online inmate locator that provides information about current inmates, including their location, charges, and sentence information.
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Law Enforcement Agency Websites: Some local police departments in Chittenden County maintain online arrest logs or blotters that provide basic information about recent arrests. These typically include:
- The Burlington Police Department's incident reports
- South Burlington Police Department's arrest logs
- Colchester Police Department's public safety updates
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Vermont Crime Information Center Online Services: The VCIC offers limited online access to criminal record information through its Record Checks portal. While comprehensive criminal history information requires a formal request, some basic information may be available online.
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Chittenden County State's Attorney's Office: The State's Attorney's Office provides information about significant cases being prosecuted, which may include arrest information for cases of public interest.
When utilizing online resources, users should be aware that:
- Information may be limited or incomplete compared to official records obtained directly from agencies
- Some records may require user registration or payment of fees
- Certain sensitive information is typically redacted from online records
- The most current and complete information is generally obtained through formal records requests
Online access to arrest records is governed by the same laws and regulations that apply to physical records, including the Vermont Public Records Act and applicable privacy protections.
How To Search Chittenden County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public seeking to access arrest records in Chittenden County without incurring costs have several options available. Vermont law provides for public inspection of records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or extensive searches. The following methods allow for free or low-cost access to arrest records:
- In-person inspection: Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 316(a), individuals have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no charge. This can be done by visiting the appropriate agency and requesting to view specific records:
Chittenden County Sheriff's Department
70 Ethan Allen Avenue
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 863-4341
Chittenden County Sheriff's Department
Vermont Crime Information Center
45 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671
(802) 244-8727
Vermont Crime Information Center
- Court records terminal access: The Vermont Judiciary provides public access terminals at courthouse locations where individuals can search court records at no cost:
Chittenden County Superior Court
175 Main Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-3467
Vermont Judiciary
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Public library resources: Some public libraries in Chittenden County provide free internet access that can be used to search publicly available online resources, including:
- Court calendars
- Inmate locator services
- Law enforcement agency websites
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Media reports: Local news outlets often report on significant arrests and criminal cases. Archives of these reports may be accessed for free through:
- Newspaper websites
- Local television station websites
- Public library newspaper archives
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Vermont Public Records Portal: The state maintains a centralized public records request portal that allows individuals to submit requests to multiple agencies. While copying fees may apply, submitting requests through this system is free.
When seeking free access to arrest records, requesters should be aware that:
- Agencies may charge for copies (typically $0.25 per page) even if inspection is free
- Complex requests requiring significant staff time may incur research fees
- Some records may be available only in redacted form to protect privacy or sensitive information
- Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily exempt from disclosure
The Vermont State Police and other law enforcement agencies in Chittenden County are required by law to accommodate reasonable requests for inspection of public records during normal business hours.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Chittenden County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in Chittenden County involves either expungement (complete erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of records. These legal remedies are governed by Vermont statutes and require formal court proceedings. Understanding the distinction between these options is essential for individuals seeking to limit access to their arrest records.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement results in the complete destruction of records, as if the arrest or conviction never occurred
- Sealing restricts public access to records but preserves them for limited official use
- Both processes require court approval and specific statutory eligibility
Pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 7601-7610, individuals may petition for expungement or sealing of criminal records under the following circumstances:
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Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal: Records of arrests that did not result in conviction may be eligible for immediate expungement, except in cases involving certain serious offenses.
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Completed deferred sentences: When a deferred sentence has been successfully completed and the case dismissed, records may be eligible for expungement.
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Convictions after waiting period: Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions may be eligible for expungement or sealing after specified waiting periods (typically 5-10 years) during which the individual has not been convicted of a subsequent offense.
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Marijuana offenses: Pursuant to recent statutory changes, certain marijuana-related offenses are eligible for expedited expungement.
The process for seeking expungement or sealing in Chittenden County involves:
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File a petition: Submit a formal petition to the Chittenden County Superior Court, Criminal Division. Petition forms are available through the Vermont Judiciary website.
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Pay filing fee: A filing fee is required, though fee waivers are available for those who demonstrate financial hardship.
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Notification to prosecutor: The Chittenden County State's Attorney's Office will be notified of the petition and has the right to object.
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Court hearing: In some cases, the court may schedule a hearing to consider the petition.
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Court order: If approved, the court will issue an order for expungement or sealing, which is then implemented by the relevant agencies.
Individuals with complex criminal histories or questions about eligibility may benefit from consulting with legal counsel. The Vermont Legal Aid and the Office of the Defender General may provide assistance to eligible individuals seeking expungement or sealing of records.
What Happens After Arrest in Chittenden County?
Following an arrest in Chittenden County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Vermont law and court procedures. This process includes several distinct phases, each with specific timelines and legal requirements:
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Booking Process: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to a law enforcement facility for booking, which includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Property inventory
- Initial health screening
- Entry of arrest information into law enforcement databases
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Temporary Detention: Arrestees may be held in a local lockup facility or the Northwest State Correctional Facility depending on the time of arrest and court scheduling.
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Arraignment: Within 24-48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge at the Chittenden County Superior Court for arraignment, where:
- Formal charges are presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Legal representation is arranged if needed
- Bail or conditions of release are determined
- Plea is entered (typically not guilty at this stage)
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Bail Determination: The court considers several factors when setting bail, including:
- Nature and circumstances of the offense
- Weight of evidence
- Family ties and employment
- Criminal history
- Risk of flight or danger to the community
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Pretrial Phase: This period between arraignment and case resolution includes:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions and hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Case preparation
- Status conferences
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Possible Diversion: First-time or low-risk offenders may be eligible for the Chittenden County Court Diversion Program, which provides an alternative to traditional prosecution.
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Case Resolution: Cases may be resolved through:
- Dismissal of charges
- Plea agreement
- Trial (bench or jury)
- Deferred sentence agreement
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Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing may include:
- Incarceration in a Vermont Department of Corrections facility
- Probation supervision
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
- Combination of the above
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Post-Conviction: Following conviction, individuals may:
- Serve their sentence
- Appeal the conviction or sentence
- Seek post-conviction relief
- Eventually petition for expungement or sealing of records
Throughout this process, cases are handled by the Chittenden County State's Attorney's Office, which is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the State of Vermont. The criminal justice process is designed to balance public safety concerns with the constitutional rights of the accused.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Chittenden County?
Arrest records in Chittenden County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Vermont state law and administrative policies. The Vermont Public Records Act provides the general framework for records retention, while specific retention periods are detailed in agency-specific schedules. These retention periods ensure both accountability and the preservation of important criminal justice information.
Law enforcement agencies in Chittenden County retain arrest records according to the following general guidelines:
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Active Criminal Cases: Records related to ongoing investigations or pending prosecutions are retained until case resolution plus any applicable retention period.
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Arrest Records Without Prosecution: When an arrest does not result in charges being filed, records are typically retained for a minimum of 3 years from the date of arrest.
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Misdemeanor Convictions: Records of misdemeanor arrests resulting in conviction are generally retained for 7-10 years after case completion, depending on the offense category.
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Felony Convictions: Records of felony arrests resulting in conviction are typically retained for 10 years to permanent retention, depending on the severity of the offense.
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Sex Offenses and Violent Crimes: Records related to sex offenses, homicides, and serious violent crimes are permanently retained by both law enforcement agencies and the Vermont Crime Information Center.
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Juvenile Records: Arrest records for juvenile offenders are subject to special confidentiality provisions under 33 V.S.A. § 5117 and may be sealed or expunged earlier than adult records.
The Vermont Department of Public Safety maintains the central repository of criminal history information through the Vermont Crime Information Center, which permanently retains fingerprint records and criminal history information unless expungement or sealing is ordered by a court.
Digital records management systems have extended the practical retention of many records beyond the minimum required periods. Law enforcement agencies in Chittenden County, including those detailed in the Police Services in Chittenden County report, maintain electronic records management systems that facilitate long-term storage of arrest information.
It is important to note that even after local retention periods expire, information about arrests and convictions may continue to exist in:
- Court records
- State criminal history repositories
- Federal databases such as NCIC (National Crime Information Center)
- Private background check company databases
These extended retention periods serve important public safety and criminal justice purposes, including the ability to identify patterns of criminal behavior, inform sentencing decisions, and protect vulnerable populations through background checks.
How to Find Mugshots in Chittenden County
Mugshot photographs, formally known as booking photographs, are created as part of the arrest and booking process in Chittenden County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record. Access to these photographs is governed by Vermont's public records laws and agency policies.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process. They typically include:
- Front-facing (frontal) view of the arrestee
- Profile (side) view of the arrestee
- Identifying information such as name and booking number
- Date of photograph
- Law enforcement agency identification
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Chittenden County, booking photographs are maintained by:
- The arresting law enforcement agency
- The Chittenden County Sheriff's Department for individuals booked into county facilities
- The Vermont Department of Corrections for individuals who are incarcerated following arrest
- The Vermont Crime Information Center as part of the state's criminal history records
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking access to booking photographs may:
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Submit a public records request to the arresting agency, which may include:
- Burlington Police Department
- South Burlington Police Department
- Essex Police Department
- Colchester Police Department
- Vermont State Police
- Other municipal police departments in Chittenden County
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Include in the request:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case or incident number (if known)
- Specific request for booking photograph
Can They Be Found Online
Unlike some jurisdictions, Chittenden County law enforcement agencies generally do not publish comprehensive databases of booking photographs online. Limited online access may be available through:
- Press releases for significant cases
- Inmate locator services for currently incarcerated individuals
- Media reports that may include published mugshots
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining booking photographs is through formal public records requests:
- Submit written requests to the records division of the appropriate agency
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction (typically $5-15 per photograph)
- Allow processing time as required by 1 V.S.A. § 318 (3-10 business days)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to booking photographs may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Photographs of juveniles are generally not public records
- Images related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily exempt from disclosure
- Photographs may be withheld if release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Mugshots that have been expunged or sealed by court order are not available to the public
Law enforcement agencies in Chittenden County balance the public's right to access government records with privacy considerations and the presumption of innocence when responding to requests for booking photographs.
Lookup Arrest Records in Chittenden County
Vermont Department of Corrections
Vermont State Police Public Information
Vermont Crime Information Center Record Checks