Vermont: Adult Convictions (VT-C-5)

Records relating to a conviction for an offense that is no longer prohibited by law or designated as a criminal offense can be expunged by the court at any time after sentence completion. 13 V.S.A. § 7602(a)(1)(B), (e).

Record Detail(s)

Decriminalized

Previous Conviction Disqualifying

No statutory language

Mandatory / Discretionary

Discretionary

Hearing

Yes, if objection filed

Clearance Process

Petition-based

Remedy

Seal

Ineligible Category or Citation

There is no statutory language regarding ineligible offenses.

Procedure General

The petition and stipulation must be filed with the court. If a petition for expungement is denied it cannot be brought again for 2 years.13 V.S.A. § 7601. For the specific procedure, see 13 V.S.A. § 7602; 7605 et seq.

Fees

There is no statutory language regarding fees.

Effect

The petitioner is treated in all respects as if there was no arrest, conviction, or sentence. Employment and licensing applications cannot require information about expunged records. 13 V.S.A. §§ 7606(a), (b). For the specific effects of expungement, see 13 V.S.A. § 7606.

Waiting Periods

The petition can be filed at any time after sentence completion.

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