Chittenden County Criminal Records
What Is Chittenden County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Chittenden County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 317, these records constitute public documents maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout the county.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories of documentation:
- Arrest Records: Documents created when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement agencies, including the Chittenden County Sheriff's Department or municipal police departments
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, whether for felonies or misdemeanors
- Court Records: Case files maintained by the Chittenden County courts detailing charges, hearings, and case dispositions
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding an individual's detention in the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility
Important distinctions exist between various types of criminal records:
- Arrest vs. Conviction Records: An arrest record documents only that an individual was taken into custody, while conviction records confirm legal guilt. Under Vermont law, arrests without convictions may have different disclosure rules.
- Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding two years, while misdemeanors carry lesser penalties. This classification affects record accessibility and retention.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals under 18 are generally sealed under 33 V.S.A. § 5119 and subject to stricter confidentiality protections.
- Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Current warrants represent ongoing law enforcement actions, while historical records document past proceedings.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Chittenden County include:
Chittenden County State's Attorney's Office
32 Cherry Street, Suite 305
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-2865
Chittenden County State's Attorney
Vermont State Police - Williston Barracks
2777 St. George Road
Williston, VT 05495
(802) 878-7111
Vermont State Police
Vermont Judiciary - Chittenden County Superior Court
175 Main Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 651-1950
Vermont Judiciary
Criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, sentencing information, and probation or parole status. The Vermont Crime Information Center serves as the central repository for criminal history information statewide, including records from Chittenden County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Chittenden County
Criminal records in Chittenden County are generally considered public documents under Vermont's Public Records Act, codified in 1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320. This statute establishes the fundamental principle that "officers of government are trustees and servants of the people and it is in the public interest to enable any person to review and criticize their decisions even though such examination may cause inconvenience or embarrassment."
The Vermont Public Records Act specifically states in 1 V.S.A. § 316(a) that "any person may inspect or copy any public record of a public agency." This provision applies to criminal records maintained by Chittenden County law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities.
However, important exceptions and limitations exist regarding public access to criminal records:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active criminal investigations are exempt from disclosure under 1 V.S.A. § 317(c)(5) to protect the integrity of law enforcement proceedings.
- Sealed and Expunged Records: Court records that have been sealed or expunged by judicial order are not accessible to the public.
- Juvenile Records: Records involving minors are generally confidential pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 5117, which states that "law enforcement records and files concerning a person subject to the jurisdiction of the juvenile court shall be kept separate from the records and files of arrests of adults."
- Sensitive Personal Information: Certain personal identifiers within criminal records, such as Social Security numbers, may be redacted before public disclosure.
The Vermont Department of Public Safety maintains policies governing access to criminal records that balance public transparency with privacy protections. Adult conviction records are generally accessible, while information about dismissed charges or arrests not resulting in conviction may have restricted access.
Court proceedings in Chittenden County, including criminal cases, are presumptively open to the public unless specifically closed by judicial order. This openness extends to court documents filed in connection with these proceedings, though certain sensitive materials may be sealed at the court's discretion.
The Vermont Crime Information Center serves as the central repository for criminal history information and provides record check services to authorized requesters in accordance with state law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Chittenden County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Chittenden County may utilize several established methods to access this information. The Vermont Public Records Act guarantees citizens the right to inspect public records maintained by government agencies, including criminal justice records. The following procedures are currently available for conducting criminal record searches:
Online Record Requests:
- Visit the Vermont Department of Public Safety's Public Records Request portal to submit a formal request for police reports and related documents.
- Access the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal to search court cases by name, case number, or citation number.
- Submit a request through the Vermont Crime Information Center for official criminal history information.
In-Person Record Requests:
Individuals may visit the following agencies during regular business hours to request criminal records in person:
Chittenden County Superior Court - Criminal Division
175 Main Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 651-1950
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Vermont Judiciary
Chittenden County State's Attorney's Office
32 Cherry Street, Suite 305
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-2865
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Chittenden County State's Attorney
Vermont State Police - Williston Barracks
2777 St. George Road
Williston, VT 05495
(802) 878-7111
Hours: 24 hours daily (administrative staff available 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday)
Vermont State Police
When requesting criminal records, requesters should be prepared to provide:
- Full name of the subject (including any known aliases)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Case numbers (if known)
- Approximate date of incident or court proceeding
- Valid identification (for in-person requests)
- Applicable fees (varies by agency and request type)
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Vermont Crime Information Center provides record check services for a fee of $30 per request. Requesters must complete the appropriate forms and provide proper identification.
Federal court records for cases prosecuted in Chittenden County can be accessed through the United States District Court for the District of Vermont using the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system.
How To Find Criminal Records in Chittenden County Online?
Chittenden County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and local agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to public information while adhering to Vermont's public records laws.
The primary online resources for accessing Chittenden County criminal records include:
-
Vermont Judiciary Public Portal
The Vermont Judiciary's online case management system allows users to search for criminal cases filed in Chittenden County courts. This system provides:- Case summary information
- Hearing schedules
- Party information
- Case status updates
- Document listings (though actual documents may require in-person requests)
Users can search by name, case number, or citation number. No registration is required for basic searches, though certain detailed information may be restricted.
-
Vermont Department of Public Safety Criminal Records Service
The Vermont Criminal Conviction Records Service provides access to conviction records statewide, including those from Chittenden County. This service:- Requires payment of a $30 fee per record check
- Provides only conviction information (not arrests without convictions)
- Delivers results electronically or by mail
- Requires basic identifying information about the subject
-
Vermont Public Records Request Portal
The Vermont Department of Public Safety's Public Records Request Service allows users to request police reports and other law enforcement records from the Vermont State Police and other agencies serving Chittenden County. -
Vermont Sex Offender Registry
The Vermont Sex Offender Registry provides information about registered sex offenders residing in Chittenden County. This database includes:- Names and photographs of registered offenders
- Conviction information
- Registration status
- General location information
-
Vermont Department of Corrections Inmate Locator
The Vermont Department of Corrections maintains an online inmate locator system that provides information about individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities, including the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility.
When using these online resources, users should note that:
- Some detailed records may only be available through in-person requests
- Records may be subject to redaction of sensitive personal information
- Juvenile records are generally not accessible online
- Registration may be required for certain advanced search features
- Official certified copies typically require formal requests and applicable fees
Can You Search Chittenden County Criminal Records for Free?
Vermont law provides for public inspection of criminal records with certain limitations on fees. According to 1 V.S.A. § 316(c), "an agency may charge and collect the cost of staff time associated with complying with a request for a copy of a public record" but "shall not charge for staff time associated with complying with a request for inspection of a public record." This provision establishes the right to free inspection of records at agency offices.
Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:
Chittenden County Superior Court - Criminal Division
175 Main Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 651-1950
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Vermont Judiciary
Chittenden County State's Attorney's Office
32 Cherry Street, Suite 305
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-2865
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Chittenden County State's Attorney
Several free online resources are available for searching basic criminal record information:
-
Vermont Judiciary Public Portal
The Vermont Judiciary's online case management system provides free access to basic case information, including:- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Hearing schedules
- Case type and status
- Judge assignments
-
Vermont Department of Corrections Inmate Locator
The Vermont Department of Corrections offers a free online inmate search function that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals. -
Vermont Sex Offender Registry
The Vermont Sex Offender Registry provides free public access to information about registered sex offenders in Chittenden County. -
Public Court Calendars
Court calendars listing upcoming criminal proceedings in Chittenden County are available for free public viewing at the courthouse and through the Vermont Judiciary website.
While inspection of records is generally free, fees may apply for:
- Copies of documents (typically $0.25-$0.50 per page)
- Certified copies of court documents
- Staff research time for extensive or complex requests
- Criminal history record checks through the Vermont Crime Information Center ($30 per request)
- Expedited processing of requests
What's Included in a Chittenden County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained in Chittenden County typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with 20 V.S.A. § 2056, which governs criminal history record information in Vermont. A complete criminal record generally includes the following components:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and place of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Fingerprint classification
- State Identification Number (SID) assigned by the Vermont Crime Information Center
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Current and previous addresses
- Photograph/mugshot (if available)
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Vermont State Police, Burlington Police Department)
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at time of arrest with corresponding Vermont statute citations
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Court case number
- Court of jurisdiction (e.g., Chittenden County Superior Court - Criminal Division)
- Filing date
- Formal charges filed by the Chittenden County State's Attorney
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecuting attorney)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Trial outcome or plea agreement details
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing information, including:
- Incarceration terms and facility
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, fees, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program mandates
- Post-conviction relief applications or appeals
- Probation or parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Specialized court participation (e.g., drug court, mental health court)
- Driving-related offenses (DUI/DWI)
- Probation/parole officer contact information
- Compliance with court-ordered programs
Records maintained by the Vermont Department of Corrections may include additional details about incarceration history, institutional behavior, program participation, and release information for individuals who have served time in facilities such as the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility.
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary depending on the maintaining agency and the age of the records. More recent records typically contain more detailed information due to improved record-keeping systems and digital documentation practices.
How Long Does Chittenden County Keep Criminal Records?
Criminal records in Chittenden County are retained according to schedules established by the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA) in compliance with 3 V.S.A. § 117, which governs public records management in the state. Retention periods vary based on record type, offense severity, and maintaining agency.
The primary retention periods for criminal records in Chittenden County are as follows:
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 3 years after case closure
- Dismissed cases: 3 years after dismissal
- Sealed or expunged records: Removed from public access upon court order pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 7602
Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest reports for felonies: 25 years
- Arrest reports for misdemeanors: 10 years
- Investigative files for major crimes: 25 years to permanent
- Investigative files for minor crimes: 10 years
- Incident reports not resulting in arrest: 5 years
- Body camera and dashboard camera footage: Minimum of 90 days, longer if related to an investigation
Corrections Records:
- Inmate files for felony convictions: 10 years after final release from supervision
- Inmate files for misdemeanor convictions: 7 years after final release from supervision
- Probation and parole records: 7 years after completion of supervision
Criminal History Repository Records: The Vermont Crime Information Center maintains criminal history records according to the following schedule:
- Felony convictions: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor convictions: Retained for life unless expunged or sealed by court order
- Non-conviction data (arrests without convictions): Purged after 1 year unless prosecution is pending
Special provisions exist for certain offense types:
- Sex offense records: Permanent retention with special flagging in databases
- Domestic violence convictions: Extended retention periods
- DUI/DWI offenses: Minimum 10-year retention for enhancement purposes
The Vermont Department of Corrections maintains records related to incarceration and supervision according to departmental policies and state records management requirements. These records typically have extended retention periods due to their potential relevance to future criminal proceedings and public safety considerations.
It is important to note that expungement or sealing of records pursuant to court order removes them from public access but may not result in complete destruction of all record copies, particularly those maintained for law enforcement purposes.
Lookup Criminal Records in Chittenden County
Chittenden County State's Attorney's Office
Vermont Sheriff's Departments Funding Sources
Vermont State Police - Williston Barracks
Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility
Police Services in Chittenden County
United States District Court - District of Vermont
Vermont Crime Information Center - Record Checks
Vermont Court Orders and Motions Database
Vermont Department of Corrections