Criminal records in Rutland County, Vermont, are available through several channels. RutlandCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies — including the Vermont State Police barracks in Rutland — and the district court clerk's office. Below are specific steps for searching, requesting, and understanding criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Rutland
To begin your search, you will need at least one of the following:
- The person's full name (first and last name)
- Date of birth
- Case number
Through RutlandCourt.us — enter the name or case number to find publicly available information about criminal cases in the county.
Online through state resources:
- Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service (VCCRIS) — an online service by the Department of Public Safety that allows you to check criminal conviction records by name. You need to create an account and pay a fee.
- Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) — accepts requests for criminal history checks, including fingerprint checks, both online and in person.
- For federal cases heard in Rutland, use the PACER system through the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont.
Important: According to the Vermont Rules for Public Access to Court Records, the court does not provide public internet access to criminal, family, and probate case records. This means that to view materials of a specific criminal case in the district court, you usually need to appear in person.
In person:
Visit the Rutland Superior Court — Criminal Division clerk's office. Terminals are available there for viewing public records. The clerk can help locate a case by name or number.
By mail:
Send a written request to the court clerk's office or to VCIC. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and the purpose of the request. Make checks payable to VT Dept. of Public Safety. Police reports can also be ordered through the online police report request service or by mail according to the state police instructions.
Search Rutland Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Vermont, criminal case numbers typically have a structured format that includes:
- County code (e.g., "Rdcr" for Rutland Criminal)
- Year the case was filed (two-digit)
- Sequential case number
Example: 1200-11-19 Rdcr — where "1200" indicates the case number, "11-19" is the month and year, and "Rdcr" denotes a criminal case in Rutland. The exact format may vary depending on the type of proceeding.
With the case number, you can contact the court clerk's office to obtain information about the status, scheduled hearings, and outcome. Online access to criminal case details is limited — Vermont courts do not publish them online for the general public.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Rutland
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Here's what they mean in practice:
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute code | Reference to a specific section of the Vermont Statutes Annotated (e.g., 13 V.S.A. § 2501 — theft) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during the case — this is reflected in the records |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision yet
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a decision
- Closed — all procedures are complete, the case is closed
Hearings
Types of hearings in Rutland criminal cases:
- Arraignment — first court appearance, charges are announced
- Preliminary hearing — determination of sufficient evidence
- Pre-trial conference — discussion between parties before trial
- Sentencing — imposition of penalty after a guilty plea
- Review hearing — checking compliance with conditions (e.g., probation)
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal after substantive review |
| Nolo contendere | The defendant does not contest the charges but does not formally admit guilt |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Rutland
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with authentication. They are accepted by employers, licensing bodies, and courts.
Where to apply:
- Rutland Superior Court Clerk's Office — for copies of specific court documents (judgments, orders, transcripts)
- Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) — for official state-level criminal history checks
How to request:
- Online — through VCCRIS for conviction records. For notarized criminal history checks, you can visit the VCIC office in person.
- In person — at the court clerk's office or the VCIC office in Waterbury. An ID (driver's license or passport) is required.
- By mail — send a completed request form, a copy of your ID, and payment to VCIC.
The Rutland County State's Attorney's Office does not issue certified records directly but can provide information on specific cases.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Rutland
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal history check through VCCRIS (online) | $30 | Result — state-level conviction records |
| Fingerprint check (FBI + state) | From $40 and up | Includes federal check; exact amount depends on request type |
| Copy of court document | $1.00 per page | Standard court clerk fee |
| Document certification | $5.00 | Per certified document |
| Police report | $5.00–$15.00 | Depends on volume; payment to VT Dept. of Public Safety |
Processing times:
- Online request through VCCRIS — usually within minutes
- Mail request to VCIC — 5 to 10 business days
- Fingerprint check — 2 to 4 weeks
- Copies from the court clerk's office — depends on workload; in-person requests often processed the same day
Fees are set according to Vermont Department of Public Safety regulations and court clerk's office rules. Check current rates directly with the institution before submitting a request.