Burlington Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Burlington, Vermont?
Arrest records are public documents in Burlington, Vermont, pursuant to the Vermont Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public. The Act serves to maintain transparency in governmental operations and accountability within the criminal justice system. Under Vermont law, these records are considered public unless specifically exempted by statute, court rule, or common law privilege.
The Vermont Public Records Act stipulates that any person has the right to inspect or copy any public record of a public agency. Law enforcement agencies in Burlington, including the Burlington Police Department, are required to comply with requests for arrest records in accordance with established protocols and within statutory timeframes, typically within three business days of receipt of such request.
How to Look Up Burlington Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Burlington arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Vermont Judiciary has established multiple access points to accommodate various needs and preferences:
Online Database Access: The Vermont Judiciary maintains electronic records that can be accessed through designated public terminals. Certain records may be available through the Vermont Criminal Justice Council's public records database.
Burlington Police Department: Individuals may submit requests directly to the Burlington Police Department for arrest records. Burlington Police Department 1 North Avenue Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 658-2704
Chittenden County Courthouse: Records may be obtained from the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case was processed. Chittenden Superior Court 175 Main Street Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 651-1950 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Vermont Judicial Bureau: For violations and citations that do not result in criminal charges. Vermont Judicial Bureau 32 Cherry Street, Suite 287 Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 651-1939
Written Requests: Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 318, written requests may be submitted to the custodian of records at the relevant agency, who must respond within statutory timeframes.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the individual, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of the arrest. Fees may apply for copying services as authorized under 1 V.S.A. § 316.
Contents of a Burlington Arrest Record
Burlington arrest records typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records are maintained in accordance with Vermont Criminal Procedure Rule 3 and include the following standard components:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address of the arrested individual
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including citation to Vermont Statutes Annotated
- Arresting Agency: Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) and the law enforcement agency involved
- Booking Information: Processing details, including time of booking and temporary detention facility
- Photographic Documentation: Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process
- Biometric Data: Fingerprints and other identifying biometric information collected
- Judicial Processing: Court appearance dates, bail or bond determinations, and conditions of release if applicable
- Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the judicial system
It should be noted that certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with exemptions provided in 1 V.S.A. § 317(c), including information that could compromise ongoing investigations or constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Burlington
The State of Vermont provides legal mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as codified in 13 V.S.A. § 7601-7610. Expungement effectively removes the record from public access, while sealing restricts access to authorized government agencies only.
Eligibility criteria for expungement or sealing of Burlington arrest records include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal may be eligible for immediate expungement
- Certain misdemeanor convictions may be eligible after a waiting period of 5 years following completion of sentence, provided no subsequent convictions
- Specific felony convictions as enumerated in 13 V.S.A. § 7602 may be eligible after a waiting period of 10 years
- Marijuana-related offenses may have expedited expungement eligibility pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 7601(4)
The expungement process requires petitioners to file a formal application with the United States District Court or the Chittenden Superior Court, depending on jurisdiction. The petition must include:
- Certified copies of the original case documentation
- Verification of completion of all sentencing requirements
- Documentation of rehabilitation efforts
- Filing fee or fee waiver request based on financial hardship
Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing where the State's Attorney may contest the expungement request. The court will evaluate whether granting expungement serves the interest of justice and poses no threat to public safety. If approved, all public records of the arrest, including those maintained by the Burlington Police Department and the Vermont Crime Information Center, will be expunged or sealed as ordered.
Individuals seeking assistance with the expungement process may contact the Crisis, Advocacy, Intervention Programs for guidance on restorative justice options that may facilitate the expungement process.
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