Caledonia County Public Records / Caledonia County Arrest Records

Caledonia County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Caledonia County in 2026

CaledoniaRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Caledonia County, Vermont. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, charge descriptions, bond information, and case disposition records. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the status of the underlying case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Caledonia County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and arrest records for individuals processed through the county jail. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about available online rosters or inmate lookup tools. Arrest information available through this office includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. Records are updated as new bookings occur.

Caledonia County Sheriff's Office
1000 Main Street, Suite 2
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 748-6878
Caledonia County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipalities within Caledonia County maintain their own police departments, each of which may publish arrest logs or press releases containing arrest information. The St. Johnsbury Police Department is the primary municipal law enforcement agency in the county.

St. Johnsbury Police Department
1187 Main Street
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 748-3111
St. Johnsbury Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court cases filed in the Vermont Superior Court, Caledonia Criminal Division. Members of the public may search court case records by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal proceedings. The Vermont Judiciary provides an online case search portal for this purpose through the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal.

Vermont Superior Court – Caledonia Criminal Division
1126 Main Street, Suite 1
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 748-6600
Vermont Judiciary

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC), operated by the Vermont Department of Public Safety, maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a request for a Vermont criminal history record check. The VCIC database includes arrests from all Vermont jurisdictions. A fee of $30.00 is currently charged for a public criminal history record request. Requests may be submitted through the Vermont Department of Public Safety.

Vermont Department of Public Safety – VCIC
45 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671
Phone: (802) 244-8727
Vermont Department of Public Safety

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 1000 Main Street, Suite 2, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (802) 748-6878
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and any known details about the arrest, including the subject's full name and approximate date of arrest
Copy fees apply per page as described in the fee section below

Clerk of Court:

Address: 1126 Main Street, Suite 1, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (802) 748-6600
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the clerk's counter
Copy fees apply per page

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Caledonia County Sheriff's Office at 1000 Main Street, Suite 2, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

The Caledonia County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (802) 748-6878 during regular business hours. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may request arrest and booking records on behalf of clients through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not otherwise available to the general public. In active criminal proceedings, defense counsel may obtain arrest records through the discovery process governed by the Vermont Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest

Are Arrest Records Public in Caledonia County

Arrest records in Caledonia County are public records under Vermont law. Vermont's Public Records Act, codified at 1 V.S.A. § 315 et seq., establishes the public's right to inspect and copy government records, including law enforcement records. Arrest records are maintained as public documents to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, and enable background screening for employment and licensing purposes.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Vermont law and applicable federal statutes:

Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted or sealed pursuant to Vermont's juvenile justice statutes
Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
Victim identifying information in applicable cases
Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Vermont's public records framework reflects a balance between the public's right to government transparency and individual privacy interests. The Vermont Constitution, Chapter I, Article 6 affirms the accountability of public officers. First Amendment principles support press access to arrest information, while due process considerations recognize that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for employment decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history information. Vermont law further restricts the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction in certain employment contexts. The distinction between an arrest record and a conviction record is legally significant; an arrest reflects a law enforcement action and does not establish criminal liability.

What's in Caledonia County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public releases

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest, including street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or the Vermont State Police
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Vermont statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications, including felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records releases

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status, including whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time, if applicable
Release conditions, where public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted from public releases
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Caledonia County?

Vermont's Public Records Act governs the fees that agencies may charge for public records. Under 1 V.S.A. § 316, agencies may charge for the actual cost of providing copies of public records.

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.05–$0.10 per page (standard agency rate)
Certified copies	Varies by court; Vermont Superior Court charges $1.00 per page for certified copies
Vermont criminal history record (VCIC)	$30.00 per request
Electronic records	May be provided at no charge or at cost of reproduction
In-person inspection	No fee for inspection; fees apply to copies

Accepted payment methods at the Caledonia County Sheriff's Office and Vermont Superior Court include cash, check, and money order payable to the respective agency
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest
Inspection of records at the clerk's office or sheriff's records division is available at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested
The VCIC criminal history record check fee of $30.00 applies to public requests; law enforcement agencies access the database at no charge

How To Delete Arrest Records in Caledonia County

Vermont law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Expungement is the more complete remedy and results in the destruction or removal of the record from public databases.

Under Vermont's expungement statute, 13 V.S.A. § 7601 et seq., individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:

The charges were dismissed
The individual was acquitted at trial
The prosecutor declined to file charges
The individual successfully completed a diversion program
A conviction was for a qualifying offense and the applicable waiting period has elapsed

The steps for pursuing expungement in Caledonia County are as follows:

Obtain a copy of the relevant court case record from the Vermont Superior Court, Caledonia Criminal Division
Complete the Vermont Judiciary's expungement petition form, available through the Vermont Judiciary
File the completed petition with the Caledonia Criminal Division clerk's office at 1126 Main Street, Suite 1, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Serve the petition on the State's Attorney's Office as required by statute
Attend any scheduled hearing on the petition
If the court grants the petition, the order is transmitted to the VCIC and relevant law enforcement agencies for record removal

Vermont Superior Court – Caledonia Criminal Division
1126 Main Street, Suite 1
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 748-6600
Vermont Judiciary

Caledonia County State's Attorney's Office
1126 Main Street
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 748-6600
Vermont State's Attorneys

Vermont Legal Aid provides free legal assistance to eligible individuals navigating the expungement process and may be contacted at (800) 889-2047 or through Vermont Legal Aid.

What Happens After Arrest in Caledonia County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Caledonia County, the arrested individual is transported to the Caledonia County Jail, located at 1000 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Caledonia County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously administered
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Collection of fingerprints
Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks
Inventory and storage of personal property
Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Vermont law requires that an arrested individual be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and in practice within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines eligibility for a public defender, sets bond or bail, and advises the individual of their rights. Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of release on bond
Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
A written court date is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
The individual must appear at all scheduled court dates or the bond is subject to forfeiture

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Caledonia County Jail
Housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary, phone, and visitation privileges are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Vermont Defender General's Office. Eligibility is based on financial need.

Vermont Defender General's Office
6 Baldwin Street, 4th Floor
Montpelier, VT 05633
Phone: (802) 828-3168
Vermont Defender General

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Vermont Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service through Vermont Bar Association. Attorney consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Caledonia County State's Attorney's Office reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The State's Attorney may file an information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on case complexity.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Pretrial conferences are held to discuss case resolution and trial readiness. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal deficiencies
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for an agreed-upon sentence or sentencing recommendation
Trial: The case proceeds to a jury or bench trial; if the verdict is guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these options. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over one year depending on complexity
Vermont's right to speedy trial is governed by the Vermont Rules of Criminal Procedure and constitutional provisions

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Caledonia County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1000 Main Street, Suite 2
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 748-6878
Caledonia County Sheriff's Office

Vermont Superior Court – Caledonia Criminal Division
1126 Main Street, Suite 1
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 748-6600
Vermont Judiciary

Caledonia County State's Attorney's Office
1126 Main Street
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 748-6600
Vermont Attorney General

Vermont Defender General's Office
6 Baldwin Street, 4th Floor
Montpelier, VT 05633
Phone: (802) 828-3168
Vermont Defender General

What to Do If You Are Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely exercise the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Caledonia County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Caledonia County is governed by Vermont law and the policies of the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration. Vermont's public records retention schedules establish minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records. Members of the public may review applicable schedules through the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Vermont Superior Court, the VCIC state repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the court
The VCIC retains misdemeanor conviction records as part of the state criminal history repository

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum period established by the state retention schedule
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order

Acquittals:

Court records are often retained permanently
Local law enforcement retains arrest records subject to the applicable retention schedule
Records may be eligible for expungement under Vermont law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are subject to the applicable retention schedule
Individuals whose charges were not filed may be eligible for expungement under 13 V.S.A. § 7601

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the Vermont records retention schedule
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and applicable statutes

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are often retained for extended periods
Court electronic records are frequently retained permanently
Mugshot databases maintained by third parties may retain records indefinitely and are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Vermont General Records Retention Schedule
Contact the records division at (802) 748-6878 for information about specific records

Vermont Superior Court – Caledonia Criminal Division:

Felony case files are retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files are retained for a period established by the Vermont Judiciary's records retention policy
Electronic court records are retained permanently in most instances

Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC):

The VCIC maintains the state criminal history repository and retains records from all Vermont jurisdictions
Retention policy is established by Vermont Department of Public Safety administrative rules
Information is available through the Vermont Department of Public Safety

FBI Database:

The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, typically permanently
These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Records are retained permanently in most databases and constitute part of the individual's permanent criminal history

Dismissal:

Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on standard background checks

Expungement:

Following a court-ordered expungement, local records are destroyed or sealed, the VCIC updates its repository, and the FBI database is notified; removal from the FBI database may take additional time
Third-party websites may not update records following expungement and are not legally required to do so in all circumstances

No Charges Filed:

Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period; individuals may petition for immediate expungement in qualifying cases

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal and agency websites with real-time or daily updates

Older Arrests:

May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or clerk's office
Retrieval fees may apply and processing time may be extended

Very Old Arrests:

Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper archives
Some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Caledonia County Sheriff's Office records division at (802) 748-6878 for assistance

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard employment background checks conducted under the FCRA report criminal history information for a period of seven years for most positions, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Vermont law may impose additional restrictions on the use of non-conviction arrest records in employment decisions. Employers and landlords are advised to consult applicable state and federal law before taking adverse action based on arrest record information.

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Caledonia County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (802) 748-6878
Submit a public records request for information about a specific arrest
Fees may apply for copies of responsive records