Expungement of Criminal Records – General – Vermont

1.  Do the records just disappear?

No. When a record is expunged, the record is not destroyed but removed from public access and sealed.

2.  Who is eligible to get records expunged?

1) Persons, other than sex offenders, who complete the terms of probation and of the deferred sentence agreement and are discharged by the court under 33 V.S.A. §7041.
2) Under 33 V.S.A. § 5529e, a juvenile who successfully completed the terms of the juvenile disposition order and has been rehabilitated may have their records expunged.

3.  What records may be expunged?

Fingerprints of juveniles not convicted of any crime or found delinquent before they reach age 16 may be expunged under 33 VSA 5537. Expungements granted under 33 V.S.A. §7041 and 33 V.S.A. §5537 apply to records, files, and index references related to the expunged court involvement.

4.  How do I get records expunged?

When criminal proceedings are discharged under 33 V.S.A. §7041, and any required restitution is fully paid, or is eligible under 33 V.S.A §5529e, expungement will be granted as a matter of law and no petition to the court is required.