Windham County Arrest Records

In Windham County, Vermont, arrests happen when law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe that an individual has committed a crime. Law enforcement like Windham County Sheriff’s Office and the Brattleboro Police Department generate and maintain arrest records from the apprehension. After an arrest in Windham County, inmates are held at the Southern State Correctional Facility, located in nearby Springfield, Vermont.

Arrest records are closely tied to other public records, including Windham County Court Records, which provide further details about the legal proceedings following an arrest. These court records encompass information such as the arraignment, trial outcomes, sentencing, or case dismissals.

Are Arrest Records Public in Windham County?

Under the Vermont Public Records Law, Windham County arrest records are all available to the public. However, certain types of arrest information are exempt from public disclosure to protect privacy and ensure the integrity of ongoing investigations. Examples of exempt information include:

• Records involving juveniles.
• Active criminal investigations or cases.
• Sensitive details that could jeopardize public safety or violate personal privacy rights.

Individuals or entities seeking access to arrest records must submit a request to the relevant law enforcement agency. For more information, contact the Windham County Sheriff’s Office:

Windham County Sheriff’s Office
185 Old Ferry Road
Brattleboro, VT 05304-8126
Phone: (802) 365-4942

Windham County Arrest Statistics

In 2023, Windham County had 149 arrests reported, this includes 35 violent crimes and 114 property crimes. Violent crime arrests reported include one for rape, seven for robbery, and 27 for aggravated assaults. There were no murder arrests. Property crime arrests reported include 22 for burglaries, 45 for larcenies, and 45 for motor vehicle theft.

Find Windham County Arrest Records

The Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) provides an offender locator tool, which contains information on Windham County arrest records and inmate information. It may be searched by name. It provides a list of all inmates, including current and released. It provides information such as first and last name, age, race, charges, case information, book date, release date, and facility held.

Windham County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

In Windham County, Vermont, arrest records and criminal records are distinct types of documentation within the criminal justice system, each serving a specific purpose and containing unique information.

Arrest records are created whenever an individual is detained by law enforcement. These records detail the circumstances of the arrest, including the date, location, and charges at the time of the incident. However, an arrest record does not necessarily indicate guilt or that formal charges have been filed. It simply reflects that a person was taken into custody by law enforcement, such as the Windham County Sheriff’s Office or local police departments.

In contrast, criminal records provide a more comprehensive history of an individual’s interactions with the legal system. These records include not only arrests but also details of charges filed, court proceedings, convictions, acquittals, and sentences. Criminal records offer a conclusive account of legal outcomes, making them a broader and more definitive record of criminal behavior.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Vermont, arrests generally remain on a person’s record indefinitely unless steps are taken to have them expunged or sealed. Under Vermont Law, individuals may be eligible to petition for expungement or sealing of their arrest records depending on the nature of the offense and the time that has passed since the resolution of the case. An expungement means that all records related to the applicant’s criminal charge are destroyed by court order. Sealing means the records are placed in a confidential file, not destroyed. The entity in custody of the record may use the record in the future and the record may be part of a federal background check. A pardon is an order from the Governor that all information about a charge be removed.

A criminal record may qualify for expungement if:

• The charges were dismissed or acquitted.
• Certain convictions listed under Vermont law as eligible, including specific misdemeanor offenses and some non-violent felonies (e.g., possession of regulated drugs).
• When the statutory waiting period after completing the sentence, probation, or parole (typically five years for misdemeanors or ten years for certain felonies) has passed and no new convictions have occurred during this period.
• The individual has demonstrated rehabilitation and does not pose a risk to public safety.

Each case is subject to review, and individuals must file a petition through Windham County Superior Court.

Windham County Arrest Warrants

In Windham County, Vermont, arrest warrants are legal documents issued by the court sanctioning law enforcement officers to detain a specific individual. To issue an arrest warrant, law enforcement must present a formal request to the court. The request must detail the facts and evidence supporting the request. If the judge determines that probable cause exists, they will authorize the warrant.

An arrest warrant includes the following details:

• The full name and identifying information of the individual to be arrested.
• A description of the alleged offense.
• The date and location of the offense, if known.
• The legal basis or statute under which the offense is charged.
• The judge’s signature.

Do Windham County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Windham County, Vermont, arrest warrants generally do not have a specific expiration date and remain active indefinitely until they are executed or recalled by the court. This means that law enforcement may arrest the individual named in the warrant at any time, regardless of how much time has passed since the warrant was issued.