Vermont Warrant Search

Are Warrants Public Record in Vermont

Yes, warrants are public records in Vermont. Pursuant to Vermont's Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320), warrant information is generally accessible to members of the public. This transparency is maintained to uphold public safety standards and ensure accountability within the judicial system. The Vermont Supreme Court has consistently upheld the principle that court records, including warrants, should remain accessible to citizens except in specific circumstances outlined by statute.

The Vermont Crime Information Center maintains records of warrants issued throughout the state. This transparency serves multiple public interests, including:

Enabling individuals to verify their own legal status
Assisting law enforcement agencies in executing warrants across jurisdictions
Supporting the constitutional right of citizens to be informed about judicial proceedings
Promoting accountability in the criminal justice system

Under Vermont law, certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed by court order if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger individuals. However, such restrictions are exceptions rather than the rule, and most warrant information becomes available through public channels once formally issued by a court.

What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Vermont?

Warrant records in Vermont typically contain several essential components as mandated by Vermont Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 4. Standard warrant documentation includes:

Subject identification: Full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and last known address
Case information: Docket number, issuing court, and date of issuance
Judicial authorization: Name and signature of the issuing judge or magistrate
Offense details: Specific statutory violations alleged (cited by Vermont Statutes Annotated reference)
Bail information: Pre-determined bail amount or notation of "hold without bail" pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 7553
Executing agency: Law enforcement department authorized to serve the warrant
Geographic scope: Jurisdictional limitations or statewide applicability

The Vermont Department of Corrections may also maintain records of warrants related to probation or parole violations, which contain additional information about supervision conditions and violation specifics.

How to Check For Warrants in Vermont For Free

Vermont residents may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established under the state's public information policies:

The Vermont Judiciary provides public access terminals at all county courthouses where individuals may search for active warrants. These terminals are available during regular business hours at no charge. Additionally, the Vermont State Police maintains information on outstanding warrants that can be accessed through direct inquiry.

To check for warrants free of charge, individuals may:

Visit their local county courthouse and use public access terminals
Contact the clerk of court in the relevant jurisdiction
Inquire with local law enforcement agencies
Access the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal online

Vermont Judiciary - Court Administrator's Office
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609
(802) 828-4127
Vermont Judiciary

Public access hours for most Vermont courthouses are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state holidays.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Vermont in 2025

As of 2025, Vermont has implemented enhanced digital systems for warrant verification. Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant should utilize the following official channels:

Vermont Judiciary Electronic Portal: The state's updated judicial portal allows for secure warrant searches using personal identifiers. This system complies with the Vermont Electronic Court Filing System standards established under Vermont Rules for Electronic Filing.
County Sheriff Verification: Each county sheriff's department maintains current warrant information. Individuals may contact these offices directly:

Washington County Sheriff's Department
10 Elm Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
(802) 223-3001
Washington County Sheriff

Vermont Crime Information Center: The VCIC maintains the central repository for all criminal justice information in Vermont, including active warrants. Pursuant to 20 V.S.A. § 2056a, individuals may request their own criminal history information, which includes warrant status.

Vermont Crime Information Center
45 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671
(802) 244-8727
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Legal Representation: Attorneys licensed in Vermont can access warrant information through secure channels on behalf of their clients.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Vermont

Vermont residents seeking to verify outstanding warrant status may utilize several official channels established under state law. The Vermont Criminal Justice Council oversees standards for warrant processing and public access to this information.

Comprehensive warrant verification methods include:

County Courthouse Records: Each of Vermont's 14 county courthouses maintains searchable warrant records. Individuals must appear in person with valid identification to conduct searches.
Law Enforcement Agencies: Local police departments and sheriff's offices can verify warrant status for individuals within their jurisdiction. This service is typically available during regular business hours.

Chittenden County Sheriff's Office
70 Ethan Allen Avenue
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 863-4341
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Vermont Department of Public Safety: The Department maintains records of DUI-related warrants and other specialized enforcement actions.
Probation and Parole Offices: For individuals under supervision, the Vermont Department of Corrections can provide information about warrants related to supervision violations.

When checking for outstanding warrants, individuals should be prepared to provide full legal name, date of birth, and address information. Pursuant to 3 V.S.A. § 163, certain warrant information related to court diversion programs may have restricted access.

How to Find Federal Warrant Search

Federal warrants in Vermont fall under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Vermont. These warrants are distinct from state warrants and require specific search procedures. The Vermont Parole Board may also maintain information about federal detainers for individuals under state supervision.

To conduct a federal warrant search:

U.S. District Court Clerk's Office: The primary source for federal warrant information is the clerk's office at the federal courthouse.

United States District Court - District of Vermont
11 Elmwood Avenue, Room 500
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 951-6301
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

U.S. Marshals Service: This federal agency executes federal warrants and maintains warrant information.

U.S. Marshals Service - District of Vermont
11 Elmwood Avenue, Room 140
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 951-6271
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Federal Bureau of Investigation: The FBI's Burlington office can provide limited information regarding federal warrants in certain cases.

Federal Bureau of Investigation - Burlington Office
40 Western Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-6316
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

Federal warrant searches typically require more detailed personal information than state searches. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1691, federal warrants must be executed in accordance with specific procedural requirements that differ from state processes.

Search Warrant Records in Vermont

Counties

Addison Bennington Grand Isle Orange Rutland Windham