Franklin County Public Records / Franklin County Arrest Records

Franklin County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Franklin County in 2026

FranklinVTRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Franklin 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, criminal charges, bond information, and court case numbers. Access to specific records may vary depending on the custodial agency and the disposition 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 Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records for individuals processed at the county jail. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate status and recent bookings. The office does not currently maintain a publicly accessible online jail roster, so direct contact or an in-person visit is the standard method for obtaining this information. Records available include the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. Information is updated as bookings occur.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office
614 Lake Street
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-2166
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The St. Albans City Police Department and the Vermont State Police Troop B serve as the primary law enforcement agencies operating within Franklin County. The Vermont State Police public information page provides press releases that include arrest information for incidents investigated by state troopers. During ongoing criminal investigations, Vermont law permits investigators to delay the release of information to protect the integrity of an investigation. City police departments may issue press releases through their official channels or local media outlets.

St. Albans City Police Department
6 North Main Street
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-2166
St. Albans City Police Department

Vermont State Police – Troop B (St. Albans Barracks)
342 Ethan Allen Highway
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-5993
Vermont State Police

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Vermont Judiciary provides an online case search tool through which members of the public may search for criminal court cases by the defendant's name. Searching by an arrestee's name will return associated court case records, including charge information, hearing dates, and case disposition. This tool is accessible through the Vermont Judiciary's public portal and reflects cases filed in Franklin County Criminal Court.

Franklin County Superior Court – Criminal Division
36 Church Street
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-7997
Vermont Judiciary Public Portal

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) operates the Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service (VCCRIS), which allows members of the public to search for Vermont criminal conviction records online. This service returns conviction-based records rather than arrest-only records. A fee of $30.00 per name search is assessed for public requests. The database includes conviction records from all Vermont jurisdictions and is maintained by the Department of Public Safety.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
614 Lake Street, St. Albans, VT 05478
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (802) 524-2166
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees are assessed at the standard rate established under Vermont law.

Police Departments:
St. Albans City Police Department, 6 North Main Street, St. Albans, VT 05478, Phone: (802) 524-2166. Records requests are submitted in writing or in person during business hours. Fees for copies are assessed per page in accordance with Vermont public records statutes.

Clerk of Court:
Franklin County Superior Court – Criminal Division, 36 Church Street, St. Albans, VT 05478
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (802) 524-7997
Members of the public may inspect criminal case files at the clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed at $0.25 per page for standard paper copies.

By Mail:
Written requests may be submitted to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at 614 Lake Street, St. Albans, VT 05478. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time is subject to the volume of pending requests and the nature of the records sought.

By Phone:
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (802) 524-2166. Limited information, such as current custody status, may be available by phone. Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Complex requests are referred to in-person or written submission.

Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request records through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed investigative files not otherwise available to the general public. Records obtained through legal channels may include materials exempt from routine public access.

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 (Sheriff, State Police, or municipal department)

Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin County

Arrest records in Franklin County are subject to public disclosure under Vermont's public records law. Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 317, public records are presumed open to inspection by any person unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records serve the purposes of government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic inquiry, legal proceedings, and background screening.

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
Records subject to court-ordered sealing are withheld from public inspection
Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld to protect investigative integrity
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain case types
Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:
Vermont's public records framework reflects a balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy. The Vermont Constitution and the public records statute together establish the right of public access while recognizing that certain categories of information warrant protection. The First Amendment supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public accountability. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest, which does not establish guilt, and a conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the 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 operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic and policy researchers

Restrictions on Use:
Employers using arrest records for employment decisions must comply with the FCRA and applicable Vermont employment laws. Vermont law limits the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction in certain employment contexts. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not constitute evidence of guilt and must not be treated as such in adverse employment or housing decisions.

What's in Franklin County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and, in some cases, the name and badge number of the arresting officer
Booking date, time, and assigned booking number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges and applicable statute numbers
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony or misdemeanor)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of the booking facility
Booking photograph
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount and bond type (cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond)
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Assigned court case number
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location and, where available, judge assignment

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements and victim information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives not included in booking records
Court records document legal proceedings that follow an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks compile information from multiple sources, including court and law enforcement databases

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

The cost of obtaining arrest records in Franklin County varies by agency and record type. Under Vermont's public records law, agencies are permitted to charge reasonable fees for the inspection and copying of public records.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.25 per page
Certified copies (court records)	$5.00 per document
VCCRIS online conviction search	$30.00 per name
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
Inspection of records (in-person)	No charge for inspection

Accepted payment methods vary by office. The Franklin County Superior Court accepts cash, check, and money order. The Sheriff's Office accepts cash and check for records requests submitted in person or by mail.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, subject to agency discretion. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only to copies or certified documents. The VCCRIS online service, operated by the Vermont Crime Information Center, charges a flat fee per name search regardless of the number of records returned.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Franklin County

Vermont law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting 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. The distinction is significant: an expunged record is treated as though it never existed for most purposes, while a sealed record remains accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.

Under 13 V.S.A. § 7601 et seq., Vermont provides for the expungement of certain criminal records, including arrests that did not result in conviction, dismissed charges, acquittals, and certain convictions for qualifying offenses after the applicable waiting period has elapsed. Individuals whose charges were dismissed, who were acquitted, or whose cases were not prosecuted may petition for expungement without a waiting period. Individuals with qualifying convictions must satisfy a waiting period before filing a petition.

Steps to Petition for Expungement in Vermont:

Determine eligibility based on the nature of the charge and case disposition
Obtain a copy of the criminal record from the Vermont Crime Information Center
Complete the expungement petition form available from the Vermont Judiciary
File the petition with the Franklin County Superior Court – Criminal Division
Serve the petition on the State's Attorney's Office and any other required parties
Attend the scheduled hearing, if one is ordered by the court
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the record

The Franklin County State's Attorney's Office reviews expungement petitions and may object or consent to the relief requested.

Franklin County Superior Court – Criminal Division
36 Church Street
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-7997
Vermont Judiciary

Franklin County State's Attorney's Office
5 Lemnah Drive
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-7920
Franklin County State's Attorney

Following a granted expungement order, the Vermont Crime Information Center updates the state criminal history repository, and local law enforcement agencies are directed to destroy or seal their copies of the record. 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 Franklin County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Franklin County, the arrested individual is transported to the Northwest State Correctional Facility, which serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The Vermont Department of Corrections oversees the facility and provides information about correctional facilities and community supervision services.

Northwest State Correctional Facility
3649 Lower Newton Road
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-6166
Vermont Department of Corrections

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the facility, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which includes recording personal information, photographing, fingerprinting, a criminal history check, an outstanding warrants check, property inventory, medical screening, and housing classification. The booking process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Vermont law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of their rights, and, if the individual is indigent, initiates the appointment of a public defender. Hearings may be conducted via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

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

Surety Bond: The individual retains a licensed bail bondsman, pays a non-refundable premium (typically ten percent of the bond amount), and the bondsman posts the full amount with the court.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all future court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of release. Grounds include serious violent offenses, a determination that the individual poses a danger to the community, a finding of significant flight risk, a violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant.

Conditions of Release:
Release conditions may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the Department of Corrections.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives a written notice of court dates and conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and the issuance of an arrest warrant. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody and is assigned to a housing unit pending further court proceedings.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is determined based on income. The Vermont Defender General's Office administers public defender services in Franklin County.

Vermont Defender General – Northwest Regional Office
110 Main Street, Suite 2
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-6565
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 for individuals seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

The Franklin County State's Attorney's Office reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. For felony offenses, the State's Attorney may proceed by information or, in certain cases, present the matter to a grand jury.

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 the court sets dates for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase: The pretrial phase includes discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, are filed and heard during this phase. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to discuss case resolution and trial readiness.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissed case may be eligible for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Vermont offers pretrial diversion, drug court, and other alternative programs for eligible defendants. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant may accept a negotiated plea to reduced charges or an agreed-upon sentencing recommendation.
Trial: The defendant may exercise the right to a jury trial or bench trial. If found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The court may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these sanctions. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant retains the right to appeal a conviction.

Timeline Overview:

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

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:

Northwest State Correctional Facility (Jail)
3649 Lower Newton Road
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-6166
Vermont Department of Corrections

Franklin County Superior Court – Criminal Division
36 Church Street
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-7997
Vermont Judiciary

Franklin County State's Attorney's Office
5 Lemnah Drive
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-7920
Franklin County State's Attorney

Vermont Defender General – Northwest Regional Office
110 Main Street, Suite 2
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-6565
Vermont Defender General

What to Do If You're 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 waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Franklin County?

Records Retention Overview:
The retention of arrest records in Franklin County is governed by Vermont state law and the records retention schedules established by the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration. Under 3 V.S.A. § 117, state agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the disposition of the underlying case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of 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 by the state criminal history repository
Local law enforcement and court records are retained in accordance with the applicable Vermont retention schedule

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a period determined by the applicable retention schedule
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
Records may remain in state and local databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order

Acquittals:

Court records are retained and may be permanent
Local law enforcement records are subject to the applicable retention schedule
Eligible for expungement under Vermont law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are subject to the applicable retention schedule
May be eligible for expungement upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the Vermont records retention schedule applicable to the maintaining agency.

Digital Records: Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch records are retained for periods specified in the applicable retention schedule. Electronic court records are maintained by the Vermont Judiciary and are often retained permanently.

Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation 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 their databases when records are expunged. Individuals seeking removal from such databases must contact those services directly.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:
614 Lake Street, St. Albans, VT 05478, Phone: (802) 524-2166. Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with the Vermont records retention schedule. Investigative files are retained for periods that vary based on the nature of the offense.

Clerk of Court:
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained in accordance with the Vermont Judiciary's records retention schedule. Electronic records maintained by the Vermont Judiciary are retained permanently.

Vermont Crime Information Center (State Repository):
The VCIC maintains the state criminal history repository and retains records from all Vermont jurisdictions. The Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service reflects current conviction records. Retention policy is governed by state law and VCIC administrative rules.

FBI Database:
The NCIC and the 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:

Disposition	Local Retention	State Repository	Background Check Visibility
Conviction	Permanent	Permanent	Indefinite
Dismissal	Per retention schedule	Retained unless expunged	May not appear
Expungement	Destroyed or sealed	Updated per court order	Removed (law enforcement retains access)
No charges filed	Per retention schedule	May be purged	Typically not reported

Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Vermont law restricts the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction in certain employment contexts. The Vermont Sex Offender Registry, maintained by the Vermont Crime Information Center, is subject to separate retention and disclosure rules; queries may not be conducted by street address, town, or county.

How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Records Division at (802) 524-2166 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.