Chittenden County Arrest Records

Chittenden County arrest records include information about an individual's interactions with law enforcement agencies. Anytime an arrest is made, the arresting officer records the details of the arrest, including the location, date, and time of the arrest and the nature of the crimes the person committed. Arrest records are publicly accessible in person at the Chittenden County Sheriff's Office. Record seekers can visit the office during business hours to submit their requests. The arresting officer will also notify the court of the arrest, making the arrest records publicly available during a Chittenden County court records search.

Are Arrest Records Public in Chittenden County?

Yes. The Vermont Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. § 315-320) provides access to arrest records for inspection or copying. Therefore, anyone can obtain copies of these records at Chittenden County law enforcement agencies. The Vermont Public Records Act exempts certain arrest records or information from public access. Examples of confidential arrest records are juvenile arrest records and Records relating to the detection and investigation of crime whose disclosure would:

• Interfere with enforcement proceedings.
• Disclose the identity of a confidential source
• Endanger the life or physical safety of any individual
• Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
• Deprive an individual the right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication
• Disclose procedures and techniques for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Arrest records are available to members of the public at the Chittenden County Sheriff's Office. Public arrest records maintained in Chittenden County contain the following information:

• The arrested person's first, middle, and last name
• Current age, race
• Booking and release dates
• Jacket number and facility name
• Charge code, status, and arresting agency
• Offense and arrest dates, and release date
• Court date, type, and name
• Case number, bond type, and bond amount

Chittenden County Arrest Statistics

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) makes crime reports of arrestees available to the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC). The report reveals that arrested persons committed 27,908 offenses in 2022, a 15.94% increase from 2021 (24,072). That same year, about 3,877 arrested persons were victims of crimes against persons, and drug offenses totaled 1,086.

Find Chittenden County Arrest Records

The Vermont Department of Corrections (VDOC) provides arrest records online and in person. The Offender Locator is the only tool individuals can use to view Chittenden County arrest information without charges. A search can be conducted by first name or last name. Users can also scroll through the records on the portal to identify the appropiate record. Customers can also visit the Correctional Facilities to obtain copies of arrest records. Some information and fees may be required to process the request.

Individuals can also obtain copies of Chittenden County arrest records from federal law enforcement agencies. Some agencies only issue arrest records to record holders, while others make them available to the public. Below are some agencies that provide Chittenden County arrest records:

• The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP): Individuals can retrieve arrest records from the BOP online or in person at BOP facilities. Users must provide a number or name in the appropriate search box to use the online portal.
• The United States Capitol Police (USCP): The USCP issues arrest summary reports online to members of the public. Users can filter their searches using a crime summary, crime date, CFN number, or crime type. Record seekers can also mail a completed Request Form to the office. It takes about 7 to 10 days to process mail requests. The delivery methods are mail, fax, or email, or the requester can pick it up in person at the office. The mailing address is:

United States Capitol Police
Reports Processing Section
119 D Street, Ne
Washington, DC 20510

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The subject of records can access the FBI's arrest records online, by mail, or through approved channelers for a $18 fee. The acceptable forms of payment are money order, credit card using the Credit Card Payment Form, or certified check. Eligible individuals can also apply by mail. They can send a completed Applicant Information Form to:

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306

• The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Requesters can request copies of arrest records from the ICE through the Online Detainee Locator System. A search can be conducted using A-Number or biographical information. Interested persons can also visit the ICE's local field offices or detention facilities during business hours to conduct searches. The record staff will need basic information about the record to conduct the search.

Free Arrest Record Search in Chittenden County

Individuals can find free up-to-date information about current offenders in Chittenden County through the Vermont Department of Corrections' Offender Locator. The search criteria are by first name and last name. Users can also scroll through the information on the portal to locate the appropriate arrest record. Click the "View More" link to view more arrest information.

Alternatively, individuals can use third-party websites to conduct arrest record searches without searches. Most sites require a name or case number to access arrest information. Users can get basic arrest information through third-party portals for free, but a fee is required to access detailed arrest reports.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Chittenden County arrests remain on a person's record forever, and anyone with the proper authorization can access them. However, the Vermont Law allows arrested persons to expunge their records, keeping them inaccessible to the public. Per 13 V.S.A. § 7606, an expungement will annul a person's arrest records and ensure the person is treated as though they have never been arrested for the offense they committed.

Expunge Chittenden County Arrest Records

An expungement is the physical destruction of arrest records by court order. Individuals can expunge their post-conviction or no-conviction arrest records when they meet the eligibility criteria set forth in 13 V.S.A. § 7602 and 7603. Eligible individuals can file a Petition to Expunge or Seal Criminal History Form at the Chitten County Superior Court Criminal Division. The Clerk charges $90 as filing fees. Those who are unable to pay this fee can complete and file an Application to Waive Filing Fees Form. The Clerk will send a copy of the petition to the prosecutor who brought the criminal charge. The prosecutor must file a Response to Petition to Expunge or Seal Form. The judge will grant the petition without a hearing if the prosecutor agrees with the expungement request. However, the court can hold a hearing if the prosecution opposes the request. The prosecutor will notify any known victim(s) of the expungement request, and they have the right to provide a statement to the prosecutor and the court. The court will sign an expungement order if the petition is granted. However, if the court denies the petition for expungement, the individuals cannot file any other petition until after two (2) years. Upon entry of an expungement order, the court will notify the respondent, the arresting agency, the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC), and the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services' Restitution Unit of the expungement. The VCIC will notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime Information Center of the order. The response that would be given to anyone who submits an inquiry regarding an expunged record will be that "NO CRIMINAL RECORD EXISTS".

Chittenden County Arrest Warrants

According to V.R.Cr.P. Rule 4, a judicial officer will only issue an arrest warrant when they find probable cause to believe that a crime has occurred and that the accused is responsible. The arrest warrant will be directed to any law enforcement officer and contains the defendant's name. The judge will state any name or description if the name is unknown to help identify the defendant. A command that the officer arrests the defendant and brings them without unnecessary delay before the nearest available judge. The territorial limit for executing an arrest warrant issued in Chittenden County is within Vermont.

A law enforcement officer executes a warrant by arresting the defendant. The Vermont Law does not mandate that the office must have the arrest warrant in their possession at the time of the arrest but must show it to the defendant upon request as soon as possible. Before showing the defendant a copy of the warrant, the officer must inform them of the offense charged and that a warrant has been issued in their name. After the arrest, the executing officer must immediately bring the defendant before the nearest available judge. They must also return the arrest warrant with the supporting documents to the judge before the defendant is brought.

Do Chittenden County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants do not expire in Chittenden County. Once issued, they remain active until executed. However, a prosecuting officer may request that a judicial officer cancel an unexecuted warrant that has been returned.