Windham County Public Records / Windham County Arrest Records

Windham County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Windham County in 2026

WindhamRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Windham County, Vermont. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through official government sources. Record categories available through authorized channels include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court case filings, conviction histories, and sheriff's press releases. This information is provided for lawful purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Windham County Sheriff's Office, the Vermont Judiciary's public portal, state law enforcement databases, and in-person access terminals at county offices.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Windham County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and publishes press releases documenting recent arrests made within its jurisdiction. The Sheriff's Office website includes incident reports and arrest notifications, which are updated as new arrests occur. Members of the public may review these press releases to identify recent bookings, charges filed, and court dates assigned. The press releases page provides a searchable archive of arrest announcements, including the arresting agency, charges, and release conditions. Formal public records requests for specific arrest documents may be submitted through the Public Records Requests portal, directed to the Department Records Officer.

2. Local Police Departments

Multiple law enforcement agencies operate within Windham County, including the Brattleboro Police Department, the Bellows Falls Police Department, and the Vermont State Police Brattleboro Barracks. Each agency maintains its own arrest logs and may publish press releases or incident summaries. The Vermont State Police public information page provides guidance on submitting public records requests to the VSP and outlines what information is available under Vermont's Public Records Act. As noted by the Vermont State Police, "The Public Records Act places the onus on the government agency" to respond to properly submitted requests.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court case filings. The Vermont Judiciary Public Portal is a web-based platform that offers members of the general public customized, role-based access to court records. Users may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, scheduled hearings, and case dispositions. The Windham County Superior Court — Criminal Division handles felony and misdemeanor cases originating from arrests within the county.

Windham County Superior Court — Criminal Division
30 Putney Road
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Phone: (802) 257-2800
Vermont Judiciary

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service (VCCRIS), administered by the Vermont Department of Public Safety — Vermont Crime Information Center, provides online access to criminal conviction records statewide. The VCCRIS database allows members of the public to search for conviction records by name. A fee of $30.00 per name search is currently assessed for public requesters. This database reflects conviction records rather than arrest records alone and is updated on a regular basis by contributing law enforcement agencies.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Windham County Sheriff's Office
185 Old Ferry Road
Brattleboro, VT 05304
Phone: (802) 365-4942
Public Records Requests — Windham County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, the approximate date of arrest, and any known booking number. Copy fees apply per page for reproduced documents.

Police Departments:

Brattleboro Police Department
230 Main Street
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Phone: (802) 257-7950

Vermont State Police — Brattleboro Barracks
1080 Putney Road
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Phone: (802) 254-2382
Vermont State Police Public Information

Records request procedures vary by department. Requesters should submit written requests identifying the subject by full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Fees for copies are assessed per page in accordance with Vermont law.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be mailed to the Windham County Sheriff's Office Records Division at:

Windham County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Department Records Officer — Carri Guyer
PO Box 8126
Brattleboro, VT 05304

Requests submitted by mail should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on the complexity of the request and current volume.

By Phone:

Windham County Sheriff's Office: (802) 365-4942
Brattleboro Police Department: (802) 257-7950
Vermont State Police Brattleboro Barracks: (802) 254-2382

Telephone inquiries may yield limited information. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Staff may direct callers to the online portal or an in-person visit for detailed records.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available to the general public. In active legal proceedings, defense counsel may obtain police reports, witness statements, and evidence inventories through the discovery process governed by Vermont Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

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

Are Arrest Records Public in Windham County

Arrest records in Windham County are public records under Vermont law. Vermont's Public Records Act, codified at 1 V.S.A. § 315 et seq., establishes a presumption of public access to government records, including records created by law enforcement agencies in the course of their official duties. Arrest records are maintained as public documents to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, and enable background screening for lawful 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:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Vermont law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Vermont's Public Records Act reflects the principle that open government serves the public interest. The Vermont Supreme Court has recognized that the right of public access to government records must be balanced against individual privacy interests. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the disposition of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

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

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Vermont does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to all private employers, though certain public employers are subject to restrictions on the timing of criminal history inquiries. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction: an arrest does not establish guilt, and adverse decisions based solely on an arrest without conviction may give rise to legal liability under applicable state and federal law.

What's in Windham 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 or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Vermont State Police, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

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

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public-facing records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if made public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (Windham County Superior Court — Criminal Division)
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques or methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available to the public
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Windham County depends on the agency holding the records and the format requested. Under Vermont's Public Records Act at 1 V.S.A. § 316, agencies may charge fees for inspection, copying, and search time under defined circumstances.

Record Type	Access Method	Current Fee
Inspection of public records	In-person	No charge for inspection
Paper copies	Per page	$0.10–$0.25 per page (varies by agency)
Certified copies	Per document	Varies by agency
Electronic records	Email or digital	Varies; may be no charge
VCCRIS conviction record search	Online	$30.00 per name
Sheriff's Office records request	In-person or mail	Per-page copy fee applies

Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. Fees are assessed only when copies are requested. Agencies may charge for staff time spent on complex searches that exceed a defined threshold. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or for requests made in the public interest, subject to agency discretion. Accepted payment methods vary by office and may include cash, check, or money order.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Windham County

Vermont law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access). Expungement results in the physical destruction or permanent removal of records from law enforcement and court databases. Sealing restricts public access while allowing law enforcement and certain authorized agencies to retain access.

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

The charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
The prosecutor declined to file charges
The individual successfully completed a diversion program
A specified waiting period has elapsed following a conviction for eligible offenses
The offense has been decriminalized since the time of conviction

Steps to Petition for Expungement in Vermont:

Obtain a copy of the criminal record from the Vermont Crime Information Center or the Windham County Superior Court to confirm eligibility.
Complete the Vermont Petition for Expungement or Sealing form, available through the Vermont Judiciary.
File the petition with the Windham County Superior Court — Criminal Division at 30 Putney Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
Serve copies of the petition on the State's Attorney's Office and any other required parties.
Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether the petition meets statutory requirements.
If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the records.

The Vermont Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs oversees the State's Attorney's Office for Windham County, which reviews expungement petitions and may object or consent to the relief requested.

Windham County State's Attorney's Office
30 Putney Road
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Phone: (802) 257-2870
Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs

Following a granted expungement order, the Vermont Crime Information Center updates the state repository, and local law enforcement agencies are directed to destroy or seal their copies. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to the expungement order and may retain records independently; individuals may need to contact those services separately to request removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Windham County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Windham County, the arrested individual is transported to the Southern State Correctional Facility or, in some cases, held at a local police facility pending processing. The Vermont Department of Corrections oversees the intake and housing of individuals detained in Vermont.

Southern State Correctional Facility
946 US-5
Springfield, VT 05156
Phone: (802) 885-3370
Vermont Department of Corrections

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the following steps are completed:

Personal information recorded
Miranda rights administered if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Vermont Crime Information Center
Criminal history and outstanding warrants checked
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical and brief mental health screening conducted
Housing classification assigned

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Vermont law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer without unreasonable delay, and in practice within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance:

Formal charges are read
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained

Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are accessible through the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash and is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. The amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.

No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of release, typically in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, or immigration holds.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives written conditions of release and a court date. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody pending further court proceedings.

Accessing Legal Representation:

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

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private attorneys may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and are permitted to visit clients at the detention facility for confidential consultations.

Charging Decision:

The Windham County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment follows the filing of charges. The defendant enters a plea — not guilty, guilty, or no contest — and additional court dates are scheduled. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions (including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. Vermont provides the right to a jury trial for most criminal charges. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment programs.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to resolution: Several months, varying by complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: May extend to one year or longer
Vermont's speedy trial provisions require that cases proceed without unreasonable delay

Important Contacts:

Windham County Sheriff's Office
185 Old Ferry Road
Brattleboro, VT 05304
Phone: (802) 365-4942
Windham County Sheriff's Office

Windham County Superior Court — Criminal Division
30 Putney Road
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Phone: (802) 257-2800
Vermont Judiciary Public Portal

Windham County State's Attorney's Office
30 Putney Road
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Phone: (802) 257-2870
Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs

Vermont Department of Corrections
103 South Main Street
Waterbury, VT 05671
Phone: (802) 241-2442
Vermont Department of Corrections

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an 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 Windham County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Windham County is governed by Vermont state law, agency-specific records retention schedules, and applicable federal requirements. Vermont's general records retention framework requires that public records be maintained for defined periods based on the nature of the record and the outcome of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Windham County Superior Court, the Vermont Crime Information Center, 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 state repository
Court records are maintained for the duration required by Vermont court records retention schedules

Dismissed Charges:

May remain in law enforcement and court databases unless expunged
Eligible for expungement under Vermont law following dismissal or acquittal
Local law enforcement retains records for a defined period absent a court order

Charges Not Filed / No-Information:

Booking records retained for a defined period, typically several years
May be eligible for expungement upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a defined period per agency policy
Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency
Court electronic records: Often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to Vermont expungement orders. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement. Individuals whose records have been expunged may need to contact such services directly to request removal.

Retention by Agency:

Windham County Sheriff's Office
185 Old Ferry Road
Brattleboro, VT 05304
Phone: (802) 365-4942
Public Records Requests

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per Vermont's records retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case outcome and offense classification.

Vermont Crime Information Center (State Repository)
Vermont Department of Public Safety
45 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671
Phone: (802) 244-8727
Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service

The Vermont Crime Information Center maintains criminal history records for all arrests reported by contributing agencies statewide. Retention policy follows state and federal guidelines, with conviction records retained permanently and non-conviction records subject to expungement upon court order.

FBI Database:

The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by Vermont law enforcement. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: May remain unless expunged; not reported on standard employment background checks in many cases
Expungement: Local records destroyed or sealed; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with a notation; third-party databases may not update automatically

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Vermont law does not currently impose a blanket prohibition on reporting convictions after a fixed number of years, though expunged records are not to be disclosed. Employers and landlords are advised to consult applicable state and federal law before taking adverse action based on arrest records.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Windham County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (802) 365-4942 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of responsive documents.