Franklin County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Franklin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Franklin County, Vermont may access publicly available information through FranklinVTRecords.org as well as through official government repositories maintained at the county and state level. Criminal records accessible through these channels may include arrest records, court case filings, conviction histories, sentencing information, and related justice system documents. The availability and completeness of any given record depends on the originating agency, the nature of the case, and applicable state law governing disclosure.
Records that members of the public may encounter through official channels include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Criminal court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Bail and bond information
- Probation and parole status (where publicly disclosed)
- Sex offender registry entries
- Active and recalled warrants
Records can be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary avenues available under current Vermont law.
1. County Court Records
The Franklin Criminal Division of the Vermont Superior Court serves as the primary repository for criminal case filings originating in Franklin County. Members of the public may inspect non-restricted case records in person at the courthouse during regular business hours.
Franklin Superior Court – Criminal Division
36 Church Street
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-7997
Franklin Criminal Division – Vermont Judiciary
Visitors should bring the full legal name of the subject and, where available, a case number or date of birth to facilitate the search. Public access terminals are available on-site. Court staff may assist with locating case files, though staff-assisted searches may be subject to a fee.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and inmate information for individuals processed through the county jail. Requests for these records may be submitted in person or in writing.
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
53 Fairfield Street
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-2166
Available records include arrest reports, booking photographs, and inmate rosters. Written requests should identify the subject by full name and date of birth. Fees for copies are assessed in accordance with Vermont's public records fee schedule.
3. Online Court Search
The Vermont Judiciary provides an online case search portal through which members of the public may query criminal case information statewide, including Franklin County cases. Users may search by party name, case number, or attorney. The portal reflects case status as updated by court staff and may not reflect same-day filings. Sealed, expunged, and juvenile cases do not appear in online results.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) maintains the statewide criminal history repository. Individuals and authorized entities may submit formal requests for criminal history background checks, which require fingerprint submission for comprehensive results. Processing times and fees vary by request type.
Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC)
103 South Main Street
Waterbury, VT 05671
Phone: (802) 244-8727
Vermont Crime Information Center
5. Written/Mail Requests
Written requests for court records may be directed to the Franklin Superior Court Clerk's Office at 36 Church Street, St. Albans, VT 05478. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the approximate date range of the case. Under § 317 of Vermont's Public Records Act, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within three business days of receipt.
What Is Franklin County Criminal Record
A criminal record in Franklin County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, maintained by one or more government agencies. Under Vermont law, a criminal record may encompass records generated at any stage of the criminal justice process, from initial law enforcement contact through final court disposition.
The distinction between record types is significant for access purposes:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not indicate guilt or a finding of criminal liability. A conviction record reflects a formal judicial finding of guilt, whether by plea or verdict.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Vermont classifies criminal offenses as felonies (punishable by more than two years of incarceration) or misdemeanors (punishable by two years or less). Both categories generate court records, though sentencing consequences differ substantially.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Records pertaining to individuals who were under the age of 18 at the time of the offense are subject to confidentiality protections under § 5536 of Vermont's Juvenile Proceedings statute and are not accessible to the general public.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect current judicial orders for arrest and are maintained by law enforcement agencies. Historical records document past proceedings regardless of current warrant status.
The agencies that maintain criminal records in Franklin County include the Franklin County Sheriff's Office (arrest and jail records), the Franklin Superior Court Criminal Division (case filings, dispositions, and sentencing records), the Vermont Crime Information Center (statewide criminal history repository), and local police departments such as the St. Albans City Police Department. Records are created at the point of arrest or citation and are updated as cases progress through arraignment, plea, trial, sentencing, and any subsequent appellate proceedings.
Are Criminal Records Public In Franklin County
Criminal records in Franklin County are subject to public disclosure under Vermont's Public Records Act, codified at 1 V.S.A. § 315 et seq. The Act establishes a presumption of openness, providing that "all state and municipal records shall be open to inspection by any person at reasonable times." Adult conviction records, court case filings, and records of criminal proceedings are accessible to members of the public absent a specific statutory exemption.
Certain categories of records are restricted from public disclosure under current law:
- Juvenile records, which are confidential pursuant to Vermont's juvenile proceedings statutes
- Sealed court records, where a judicial order has restricted access
- Expunged records, which are treated as though the underlying proceeding never occurred
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations, where disclosure could compromise law enforcement operations
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Mental health and medical records incorporated into court files
As noted by the Vermont State Police Public Information office, "The Vermont public records statute can be found online" and governs the disclosure obligations of all state and municipal agencies. Federal records maintained by agencies such as the FBI operate under separate federal disclosure frameworks, including the Privacy Act of 1974, and are not subject to Vermont's Public Records Act.
How To Find Criminal Records in Franklin County Online
Official County Resources
The Franklin Superior Court Criminal Division case information is accessible through the Vermont Judiciary's online portal at vtcourts.gov. Users may search active and closed criminal cases by entering the subject's name or case number. The portal provides case status, charge information, hearing dates, and disposition data for cases that are not sealed or otherwise restricted. No registration is required to conduct a basic name search.
State-Level Resources
The Vermont Crime Information Center maintains the Sex Offender Registry, which is searchable online by name. Statewide criminal history background checks are available through VCIC for authorized requestors. The Vermont Department of Corrections provides an online offender search tool for individuals currently under correctional supervision.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name as well as known aliases or name variations
- Case number searches yield the most precise results and eliminate false matches
- Cross-reference results across the court portal, VCIC, and the Department of Corrections database
- Note that online records reflect data as of the most recent system update and may lag behind real-time court activity
Limitations
Online databases do not contain sealed, expunged, or juvenile records. Historical records predating the digitization of court files may not appear in online search results and may require an in-person request. Online access does not constitute an official certified background check for employment or licensing purposes.
Can You Search Franklin County Criminal Records for Free
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection: Vermont law mandates that public records be available for inspection at no charge. Under 1 V.S.A. § 316, agencies must permit inspection of public records during regular business hours. Copying fees may apply. In-person inspection is available at the Franklin Superior Court Criminal Division (36 Church Street, St. Albans) and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office (53 Fairfield Street, St. Albans).
2. Free Online Databases: The Vermont Judiciary's case search portal is accessible at no cost. The VCIC Sex Offender Registry is freely searchable online. The Vermont Department of Corrections offender search tool is available without charge.
3. Sheriff's Logs: Daily arrest and booking reports maintained by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office are available for public inspection at no cost during regular business hours.
What Costs Money
| Service | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copies of court records | $1.00 per page (court schedule) |
| Official state criminal history background check | $30.00 (VCIC fee schedule) |
| Staff-assisted record searches | Variable |
| Fingerprint-based background check | $30.00 + fingerprint processing |
| Expedited processing | Additional fee may apply |
Vermont's public records fee provisions limit agencies to charging only the actual cost of reproduction and, where applicable, staff time for searches exceeding a reasonable threshold. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances as determined by the custodial agency.
What's Included in a Franklin County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A Franklin County criminal record at present may include the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, booking photograph (mugshot), last known address, Vermont State Identification (SID) number, and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records document the date and time of the arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond conditions, and the facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, the court and jurisdiction, filing date, the specific charges and corresponding Vermont statutes (with felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or plea outcome, conviction date where applicable, sentencing details (including incarceration length, fines, restitution, and conditions of probation or parole), any appeals filed, and current supervision status as maintained by the Vermont Department of Corrections.
Additional Record Elements
- Active or recalled warrants
- Protective and restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status (searchable through the Vermont Crime Information Center sex offender registry)
- DUI/DWI adjudications
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile adjudications (confidential under state law)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Completed diversion program records (where sealed by court order)
Accuracy Note
Individuals who identify errors in their criminal record may submit a correction request to the originating agency or the Vermont Crime Information Center. Inaccurate records can affect employment, housing, and licensing outcomes, and the correction process is governed by VCIC's administrative procedures.
How Long Does Franklin County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Vermont's records retention schedules, established under state administrative rules, govern how long criminal records must be maintained by courts, law enforcement agencies, and the state repository. The Vermont State Archives and Records Administration oversees compliance with these schedules.
Retention by Record Type
- Felony convictions: Retained permanently by the Vermont Superior Court and the VCIC state repository
- Misdemeanor convictions: Retained permanently in court records; state repository retention follows VCIC schedules
- Arrest records without conviction: Retained for a minimum period; subject to expungement eligibility under Vermont law
- Dismissed or acquitted cases: Retained in court records (showing the disposition) and subject to expungement under 13 V.S.A. § 7602, Vermont's expungement statute
- Juvenile records: Sealed upon the subject reaching adulthood; destruction timelines are governed by Vermont's juvenile proceedings statutes
- Pending cases: Retained until final resolution
Agency Differences
County courts retain case files permanently in accordance with Vermont Judiciary retention rules. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office retains jail and arrest records pursuant to the applicable municipal retention schedule. The Vermont Crime Information Center retains conviction records permanently in the statewide repository.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records in many instances. Paper records may be destroyed following scanning and digitization, but the electronic version remains accessible through the court or state system.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
Destruction permanently eliminates a record. Sealing restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement use. Expungement, available under 13 V.S.A. § 7602, results in the legal treatment of the underlying proceeding as though it never occurred, though law enforcement agencies may retain access under specific circumstances. Expungement eligibility in Vermont depends on the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since disposition, and the absence of subsequent criminal conduct. Expungement petition forms are available through the Vermont Judiciary.
Federal Records
Records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are governed by federal law and are maintained separately from Vermont state records. Federal retention rules differ from Vermont's schedules.
Practical Implications
Conviction records, even those of significant age, may appear on background checks conducted for employment or professional licensing purposes. Consumer reporting agencies conducting employment background checks are subject to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, which limits reporting of most adverse information to seven years, though convictions may be reported without a time limit depending on the position sought. Professional licensing boards in Vermont may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the conviction.
Even where a county agency has destroyed physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged pursuant to a valid court order.