Arrest records in Caledonia County, Vermont are considered public documents pursuant to the Vermont Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the county. The Vermont Public Records Act operates under the presumption that government records shall be public unless specifically exempted by statute.
Members of the public may access these records for various purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, or personal information gathering. The Vermont Public Records Act stipulates that public agencies must provide prompt access to public records upon request, typically within three business days, though this period may be extended to ten business days under certain circumstances as outlined in 1 V.S.A. § 318(a)(4).
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information within these records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with statutory exemptions designed to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or other sensitive matters as specified in 1 V.S.A. § 317(c).
Digital access to Caledonia County arrest records is available through several official channels. The Vermont Crime Information Center maintains the Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service (VCCRIS), which provides public access to conviction information. This online system allows users to search for criminal records using an individual's name and date of birth.
The Vermont Judiciary also maintains an electronic case management system that provides limited public access to court records, including those related to criminal proceedings following arrests. However, pursuant to Vermont Rules for Public Access to Court Records (VRCR), certain information may be restricted from online viewing even when the physical records are publicly accessible at courthouse locations.
Local law enforcement agencies in Caledonia County may also maintain their own online portals or databases where recent arrest information is published. The availability and comprehensiveness of these online resources vary by jurisdiction and are subject to agency policies regarding digital information dissemination.
Users of online systems should be aware that fees may apply for certain searches or document retrievals, as authorized under Vermont law. Additionally, the most current and complete arrest records may still require in-person requests at the appropriate government office.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Caledonia County as of 2025. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following methods:
Vermont State Police - St. Johnsbury Barracks
1068 US Route 5, Suite 1
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 748-3111
Vermont State Police Public Information
Caledonia County Sheriff's Department
970 Memorial Drive
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 748-6666
Caledonia County Courthouse
1126 Main Street, Suite 1
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 748-6600
Caledonia County Courthouse Information
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Vermont Crime Information Center
45 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-1300
Phone: (802) 244-8727
Vermont Criminal Record Check Service
Pursuant to 20 V.S.A. § 2056a, requestors seeking records for personal review are charged a $30 fee per record. Additional fees may apply for certified copies or expedited processing.
Arrest records in Caledonia County contain standardized information as prescribed by Vermont law and administrative procedures. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, any known aliases, date of birth, place of birth, gender, race, and current address of residence.
Physical Descriptors: Height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks such as scars, tattoos, or other distinguishing physical characteristics.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the arresting agency and officer identification; and the statutory authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: All charges filed at the time of arrest, including the Vermont Statutes Annotated (V.S.A.) citation numbers, charge classification (felony or misdemeanor), and brief description of the alleged criminal conduct.
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification data, and photographic identification (mugshot) taken during the booking process.
Case Processing Data: Court docket number, arraignment date, bail or bond information, and preliminary hearing schedules if applicable.
Disposition Information: Current status of the case, including whether the individual was released pending trial, detained, or transferred to another jurisdiction.
In accordance with 20 V.S.A. § 2056, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, information about victims of crimes, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations.
Vermont law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 7601-7610, individuals may petition for expungement or sealing of criminal history records, including arrest records, in Caledonia County.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Caledonia County include:
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal may be expunged immediately upon final disposition, unless the prosecuting attorney objects and can articulate a reason for retention related to public safety.
Convictions for qualifying misdemeanors may be eligible for expungement after a waiting period of 5 years following completion of the sentence, provided the individual has not been convicted of any subsequent offense.
Certain felony convictions may be eligible for expungement after a 7-year waiting period, though violent felonies, sexual offenses, and crimes against children are generally excluded from expungement eligibility.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Caledonia Superior Court Criminal Division. Pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 7605, the court must notify the Vermont Crime Information Center and the prosecuting attorney of the petition. A hearing may be scheduled if objections are raised.
When an expungement order is granted, all records of the arrest, charge, adjudication, and sentence are removed from public access and treated as if they never occurred. The individual may lawfully claim they were never arrested or convicted of the expunged offense.
Caledonia Superior Court Criminal Division
1126 Main Street, Suite 1
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 748-6600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM