>Orange County Arrest Records Online

Orange County, Vermont Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Orange County, Vermont?

Arrest records are public documents in Orange County, Vermont, pursuant to the Vermont Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320). This legislation establishes that all government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Vermont Public Records Act operates under the fundamental principle that governmental transparency and accountability are best served when citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department maintains arrest records in accordance with state regulations and makes these records available through established protocols. Under 1 V.S.A. § 316, public agencies must respond to records requests promptly, typically within three business days, though complex requests may require additional time not to exceed ten business days.

Requestors should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted in accordance with 1 V.S.A. § 317(c), which outlines specific exemptions to protect ongoing investigations, personal privacy, and other sensitive information as determined by Vermont State Police guidelines.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Orange County?

Orange County arrest records can be accessed online through several official channels. The Vermont Crime Information Center maintains the Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service (VCCRIS), which provides authorized users with access to conviction information. This system operates pursuant to 20 V.S.A. § 2056a-c, which governs the dissemination of criminal history record information.

Online accessibility varies by record type and age. Recent arrest data may be available through the Orange County Sheriff's Department's online portal, while historical records might require additional search methods. The Vermont Judiciary maintains an electronic case management system that includes criminal case information resulting from arrests in Orange County.

Users should be aware that online records may not always contain complete information. Pursuant to 20 V.S.A. § 2056, certain details may be omitted from publicly accessible online databases, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sealed records, or matters under active investigation.

Vermont Crime Information Center
45 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-1300
Phone: (802) 244-8727
Official Website

How to Look Up Orange County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Orange County arrest records in 2025 may utilize multiple authorized channels. The following methods are available for conducting arrest record searches in compliance with Vermont statutes:

Submit a written request to the Orange County Sheriff's Department using the standardized Public Records Request form available on their official website.
Visit the Orange County Sheriff's Department in person during regular business hours to submit a records request.
Access the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal to search court cases related to arrests in Orange County.
Contact the Vermont Department of Corrections for information regarding individuals currently in custody or under supervision following an arrest.
Utilize the Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service operated by the Vermont Crime Information Center for conviction information.

Requestors must provide sufficient identifying information, including the full name and date of birth of the subject. Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 316(c), agencies may charge reasonable fees for the cost of copying records or staff time required to fulfill requests exceeding 30 minutes.

Orange County Sheriff's Department
11 VT Route 113
Chelsea, VT 05038
Phone: (802) 685-4875
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Contents of an Orange County Arrest Record

Orange County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Vermont law enforcement protocols and the Vermont Department of Public Safety. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes:

Subject's full legal name, any known aliases, and demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, with reference to applicable Vermont criminal code sections
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) and the law enforcement agency involved
Booking information, including fingerprints and photographs taken during processing
Custody status, including bail determination or conditions of release if applicable
Case number and court docket information for tracking through the judicial system
Prior criminal history information that is relevant to the current arrest

In accordance with 20 V.S.A. § 2053, the Vermont Crime Information Center maintains standards for the collection, storage, and dissemination of this information. Certain sensitive details may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, particularly those involving minors, sexual assault victims, or confidential informants as specified in 1 V.S.A. § 317(c).

Expungement of Arrest Records in Orange County

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 if:

The arrest did not result in a criminal charge
The charges were dismissed before trial
The individual was acquitted of all charges
The conviction was for certain qualifying offenses after the completion of sentence and required waiting periods
The arrest or conviction meets other statutory criteria for expungement

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Orange County Criminal Division of the Vermont Superior Court. Upon approval, expungement orders direct all state agencies, including the Vermont Crime Information Center and local law enforcement, to seal or destroy records relating to the arrest or conviction.

Effective July 1, 2022, Vermont expanded eligibility for expungement through Act 147, which created additional pathways for clearing arrest records. The Office of the Defender General can provide guidance on eligibility and procedures.

Orange County Superior Court - Criminal Division
5 Court Street
Chelsea, VT 05038
Phone: (802) 685-4610
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM