Bennington County Arrest Records

Bennington County Arrest Records are official documents detailing arrests made by local law enforcement agencies in Bennington County, Vermont. Typically, these records are created when individuals suspected of criminal activity are arrested and detained. Arrests occur only when there is probable cause to suspect someone’s involvement in a crime or when a judge has issued an arrest warrant.

Depending on the severity of the alleged offense, inmates are held at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility or other detention centers. The local sheriff’s office or the relevant police department within the arrest jurisdiction is responsible for creating and maintaining these records. Arrest records are crucial in the judicial system and are frequently used in court proceedings and investigations.

Arrest records form part of other public records—such as Bennington County Court Records—which detail an individual’s alleged crime, related court proceedings, and the case outcome.

Are Arrest Records Public in Bennington County?

Yes. Under Vermont Statutes Annotated, the public is permitted to access Bennington County arrest records to promote transparency. However, some records may be restricted if their release would:

• Unnecessarily invade the personal privacy of the subject
• Compromise the accused’s right to a fair trial
• Affect ongoing investigations
• Endanger someone’s life
• Reveal a confidential source

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Bennington County arrest records typically include:

• Basic information about the arrested person: name, contact details, age, address, date of birth, etc.
• Location and date of the arrest
• Physical description: race, weight, height, gender, any tattoos or unique markings
• Mugshots
• Description of the alleged crime, including any relevant legal code
• Type of alleged crime
• Charges filed
• Fingerprints
• Address of the detention facility where the individual is being held

Bennington County Arrest Statistics

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) 2018 Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) data, Bennington County recorded 31 violent crimes and 415 property crimes. The violent crimes included 22 aggravated assaults, 4 robberies, 5 rapes, and 0 murders. Property crimes consisted of 51 burglaries, 351 larceny thefts, 13 motor vehicle thefts, and 0 arsons.

Data from the preceding year, as reported in the 2017 UCR, showed 25 violent crimes (including two rapes, one robbery, and 22 aggravated assaults; no murders) and 340 property crimes (including 63 burglaries, 259 larceny thefts, 18 motor vehicle thefts, and no arsons).

Comparing 2017 and 2018:

• Violent crime rose by 25% (from 25 to 31).
• Property crime increased by 22% (from 340 to 415).
• Despite these increases in specific categories, the data indicated a 22% decrease in the overall crime rate for 2018.

Find Bennington County Arrest Records

Anyone seeking access to Bennington County arrest records should understand the available tools and how to use them at the state or federal levels. These resources promote transparency and accountability at the county, state, and national levels. To access these records at the state level, record seekers can use three primary methods:

• Remote (online) searches
• Phone inquiries
• In-person visits

In Bennington County, the Sheriff’s Office is the primary custodian of arrest records. Individuals may visit the office in person or call to submit a record request. Requesters must provide relevant details (e.g., the subject’s name, date of birth, case number) to facilitate the search.

Bennington County Sheriff's Department
811 US-7, Bennington,
VT 05201
Phone: (802) 442-4900

Additionally, arrest records can be obtained by conducting background searches through the Vermont Criminal Conviction Report Internet Service (VCCRIS). Individuals interested in certified copies of the record can request such by submitting vital information relating to the desired record as well as the purpose of the requested document. It is worth noting that the cost of an online background check is $30, and requesters who are interested in obtaining certified copies are required to download and complete the public request form before submitting it at the address below:

Criminal Records Section
Vermont Crime Information Center
45 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-1300

After the request is submitted, results are normally completed in seven business days. Requests made in person will require verification using a government-issued photo ID.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program

Alternatively, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Uniform Reporting (UCR) Program also compiles crime data and arrest statistics, including from Bennington County. Individuals interested in finding arrest records via the FBI can visit the FBI UCR Program website.

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator

At the federal level, information regarding all individuals who have been arrested and remanded in federal correctional facilities can be accessed using the BOP’s Inmate Locator. The tool can be searched by inputting the subject's full name or the BOP register number for more accurate results. Typically, the Bennington arrest record obtained using the BOP inmate locator contains details such as the date of the arrest, location, and expected release date.

Free Arrest Record Search in Bennington County

The Bennington County Sheriff’s Office provides free access to basic arrest record information. However, a comprehensive or certified record typically involves a fee. Some reputable third-party sites also offer free arrest searches but may charge for more detailed reports.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Bennington County, the length of time an arrest remains on someone’s record depends on the nature and severity of the crime. After serving a sentence, certain records become eligible for expungement (or deletion) two to five years later, while others may remain permanently.

Expungement can be complex, but it is simpler for individuals whose charges were never filed or were dismissed. Under Vermont law, those who have completed their sentences may be eligible for expungement two years after fulfilling all sentencing requirements.

Expunge Bennington County Arrest Records

Expungement involves erasing all details related to a specific crime from criminal databases. Once a court grants an expungement in Bennington County, the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) removes the records and notifies the FBI. Certain offenses—such as dismissed charges, misdemeanors, and some felonies—are eligible for expungement. However, the petitioner must show good cause in order to be considered eligible for an expungement.

To expunge Bennington County arrest records, eligible persons may follow these steps:

• Obtain and review the criminal records from the court or VCIC to ensure there are no pending charges or unresolved judgments.
• Confirm that all fines, surcharges, and sentences are fulfilled.
• Get the expungement petition form from court offices or the Vermont Judiciary website and complete it.
• Pay the filing fee (or apply for a fee waiver if eligible).
• Serve the respondents (usually law enforcement or the prosecutor) and await their response. If they agree, the court may issue a certificate of expungement.
• If the court denies the petition, you must wait at least two years to reapply unless the court directs otherwise.

Bennington County Arrest Warrants

Bennington County Arrest Warrants are judicial orders that authorize law enforcement to arrest and detain individuals suspected of a crime, posing a risk to public safety, or failing to appear in court. These warrants are issued by a judge or magistrate based on probable cause, typically outlined in an affidavit from law enforcement. The affidavit usually includes:

• Suspect’s full name
• Alleged crime
• Conditions for the arrest

Warrants may also specify whether law enforcement can enter private property, ensuring adherence to Fourth Amendment protections. The Bennington County Sheriff’s Office tracks and resolves active warrants, following strict legal procedures to protect citizens’ rights.

Do Bennington County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Bennington County arrest warrants generally do not expire. They remain valid until executed by law enforcement or formally dismissed by the court. For serious crimes like felonies, warrants can remain active indefinitely. However, a warrant could be invalidated if:

• The statute of limitations expires for the underlying offense
• The court dismisses the warrant
• There are administrative errors or a change in the law