Vermont Criminal Laws: Felony and Misdemeanor Classes, Theft, Self-Defense and Bail

Vermont does not grade felonies into classes; each offense statute sets its own maximum prison term and fine. A felony is any offense "whose maximum term of imprisonment is more than two years, for life, or which may be punished by death."

Vermont does not grade misdemeanors into classes. Any offense that is not a felony (that is, any offense whose maximum term of imprisonment is two years or less) is a misdemeanor; the maximum jail term and fine are set in each offense statute.

Larceny becomes a felony (grand larceny) when the money or other property stolen exceeds $900.00 in value: imprisonment of not more than 10 years or a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both. When the property does not exceed $900.00 in value (petit larceny), the court may sentence the person to imprisonment for not more than one year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.

Under the justifiable homicide statute, a person who kills or wounds another is guiltless in the just and necessary defense of the person's own life or the life of another, or if the person reasonably believed that the person or another was in imminent peril and that it was necessary to repel that peril with deadly force when the other was attempting to commit murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, burglary, or robbery. The statute does not limit defenses granted at common law.

Prosecution may be commenced at any time for aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault of a child, sexual assault, sexual exploitation of a minor, human trafficking, aggravated human trafficking, murder, manslaughter, arson causing death, and kidnapping. Forty years: listed sexual and related offenses against children and certain other offenses (such as lewd or lascivious conduct with a child, maiming, sexual exploitation of children, certain voyeurism, nonconsensual disclosure of sexually explicit images, and sexual extortion). Eleven years: arson and first degree aggravated domestic assault. Six years: offenses including lewd and lascivious conduct, grand larceny, robbery, burglary, embezzlement, forgery, bribery offenses, false claims, and felony tax offenses. Three years: all other felonies and all misdemeanors.

A person charged with an offense punishable by life imprisonment when the evidence of guilt is great may be held without bail. A person charged with a felony involving an act of violence against another may be held without bail when the evidence of guilt is great and the court finds, based on clear and convincing evidence, that the person's release poses a risk of physical violence to any person and that no condition or combination of conditions of release will reasonably prevent the physical violence. Otherwise, a person charged with an offense shall be ordered released at the first appearance on personal recognizance or an unsecured appearance bond unless the judicial officer finds that will not reasonably mitigate the risk of flight from prosecution, considering the seriousness of the offense, the number of offenses charged, whether the person was on release or serving a sentence at the time, and compliance with court orders and appearances. In that case the officer imposes the least restrictive conditions that will reasonably mitigate the risk of flight, which may include supervision, travel or association restrictions, treatment, a secured appearance bond (with a cash deposit of not more than 10 percent of the bond amount), a surety bond, pretrial supervision or home detention; additional least-restrictive conditions may be imposed to protect the public. Factors include the nature and circumstances of the offense, the weight of the evidence, employment, financial resources (including the ability to post bail), character and mental condition, length of residence in the community, and record of appearance. A detained person may ask for review of conditions, which must be held within 48 hours.

A needy person who is detained by a law enforcement officer without charge or judicial process, or who is charged with or detained under a conviction for a serious crime, is entitled to be represented by an attorney to the same extent as a person having his or her own counsel, and to the necessary services and facilities of representation, at public expense to the extent the person cannot pay without undue hardship. Whether a person is needy is decided by the court, initially by the clerk or another judicial officer and reviewed by the presiding judge, considering income, property owned, outstanding obligations, and the number and ages of dependents; release on bail does not automatically disqualify a person. The applicant must certify ability-to-pay information under penalty of perjury and may be required to provide proof of income.

16. "No person shall engage in a sexual act with a child who is under the age of 16, except: (1) where the persons are married to each other and the sexual act is consensual; or (2) where the person is less than 19 years old, the child is at least 15 years old, and the sexual act is consensual." A violation is punishable by imprisonment for not more than 20 years and a fine of not more than $10,000.00.

Legal for adults 21 and older. A person 21 or older who possesses two ounces or less of cannabis or 10 grams or less of hashish, two mature cannabis plants or fewer or four immature plants or fewer, and cannabis paraphernalia is not penalized or sanctioned in any manner by the State (cannabis grown and stored under § 4230e does not count toward the limit). Consuming cannabis in a public place is a civil violation (up to $100 first, $200 second, $500 third or subsequent offense). Possessing more than the allowed amounts is subject to civil penalties or crimes that increase with the amount; for example, eight ounces of cannabis or 1.4 ounces of hashish, or more than four mature or eight immature plants, is punishable by up to three years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both; more than one pound (or 2.8 ounces of hashish) up to five years and $10,000; and more than 10 pounds (or one pound of hashish) up to 15 years and $500,000.

Simple assault is attempting to cause, or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causing, bodily injury to another; negligently causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon; or trying to put someone in fear of imminent serious bodily injury by physical menace. It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine up to $1,000, or both, but only up to 60 days and $500 if it was a fight entered into by mutual consent. Aggravated assault, a felony, includes attempting to cause or causing serious bodily injury with extreme indifference to human life, or causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon (up to 15 years and $10,000), and threatening someone while armed with a deadly weapon, drugging someone without consent, or injuring a person to stop a police officer from doing their duty (up to five years and $5,000).

Vermont has no separate battery crime; causing or attempting to cause bodily injury is charged as simple assault (up to one year in prison, a fine up to $1,000, or both). Injuring a family or household member is charged as domestic assault.

Domestic assault is attempting to cause or willfully or recklessly causing bodily injury to a family or household member, or willfully causing one to fear imminent serious bodily injury; it is punishable by up to 18 months in prison, a fine up to $5,000, or both. Second degree aggravated domestic assault, a felony punishable by up to five years and $10,000, applies when the assault violates a protective court order or the person has a prior domestic assault conviction (or a prior abuse-order violation within 10 years). First degree aggravated domestic assault, punishable by up to 15 years and $25,000, applies to causing or attempting serious bodily injury, using or threatening with a deadly weapon, or a repeat offender with a prior aggravated domestic assault conviction. Strangulation (impeding breathing or blood flow by pressure on the throat or neck or blocking the nose or mouth) counts as serious bodily injury.

Shoplifting is retail theft: taking merchandise from a store without paying, switching price tags or containers to pay less, faking receipts or UPC labels, or possessing foil-lined bags or tag-removal tools. Merchandise worth $250 or less is punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a fine up to $500, or both. Over $250 up to $900 is up to six months and $500 for a first offense, rising for repeat offenses within two years: up to two years for a second, up to three years and $1,500 for a third, and up to 10 years and $2,500 for a fourth or later offense. Retail theft over $900 is punishable by up to 10 years and a $1,000 fine. The court may also order restitution based on retail value.

Burglary is entering a building or structure knowing you are not allowed to, intending to commit a felony, petit larceny, simple assault or unlawful mischief (or hiding inside after closing with that intent). It is punishable by up to 15 years and a $1,000 fine; up to 20 years and $10,000 if the person carried a dangerous or deadly weapon; up to 25 years for burglary of an occupied dwelling (any home, whether or not someone is there); and up to 30 years and $10,000 for an occupied dwelling with a weapon. Robbery (assault and robbery) is assaulting someone and taking money or property from them or in their presence, punishable by up to 10 years; up to 15 years (at least one year) if armed with a dangerous weapon, and up to 20 years (at least one year) if the robber causes bodily injury.

Vandalism is called unlawful mischief in Vermont: intentionally damaging property without a right to do so. Damage of $250 or less is punishable by up to six months and $500; over $250, up to one year and $1,000; over $1,000, or any damage by explosive, up to five years and $5,000 (a felony). A victim may also sue for damages and reasonable attorney's fees.

Unlawful trespass is entering or staying on land or in a place without permission after notice against trespass was given in person, by a police officer, or by posted signs; it is punishable by up to three months and $500, and must be prosecuted within 60 days. Entering another person's car without permission carries the same penalty (up to one year for a repeat offense). Entering a normally locked non-residential building, or a residence in violation of a court order, is punishable by up to one year and $500. Knowingly entering a dwelling house without permission, whether or not anyone is home, is punishable by up to three years and $2,000 (a felony).

Knowingly possessing a small amount of cocaine, heroin, or another depressant, stimulant or narcotic drug without authorization is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine up to $2,000, or both. Larger amounts are felonies: for example, 2.5 grams or more of cocaine or 200 milligrams or more of heroin carries up to five years and $100,000. Possessing 224 milligrams or less of buprenorphine is not punished under the general possession penalty. Vermont's paraphernalia law now penalizes only selling drug paraphernalia to someone under 18 (up to two years and $2,000); simple possession of paraphernalia is not listed as an offense.

A driver who causes or is involved in a crash that injures someone (other than the driver) or damages property other than the driver's own vehicle must stop, give reasonable help, and give name, residence, license number and the vehicle owner's name to those affected and to police. Leaving without doing so is punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine up to $2,000, or both; up to five years and $3,000 if someone suffers serious bodily injury; and one to 15 years and up to $3,000 if someone dies. A $50 surcharge is added on conviction.

Vermont does not use the term reckless driving; it charges negligent operation and grossly negligent operation. Negligent operation (driving on a public highway without ordinary care) is punishable by up to one year and $1,000 (up to two years and $3,000 for a repeat offense or if someone is seriously hurt or killed). Grossly negligent operation, a gross deviation from reasonable care, is punishable by up to two years and $5,000, up to four years and $10,000 for a repeat offense, and up to 15 years and $15,000 if it causes serious bodily injury or death.

Using phone calls, texts or other electronic communications, with intent to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass or annoy, to make obscene requests, threaten injury or property damage, or repeatedly disturb someone is disturbing the peace by electronic communications, punishable by up to three months and $250 (up to six months and $500 for a repeat offense). Aggravated disorderly conduct, a course of conduct aimed at a specific person that includes fighting, threats of bodily injury, or similar behavior, is punishable by up to 180 days and $2,000. Stalking, purposefully engaging in a course of conduct (following, monitoring, surveilling, threatening, including by electronic means) that would make a reasonable person fear for safety or suffer substantial emotional distress, is punishable by up to two years and $5,000. Aggravated stalking, a felony punishable by up to five years and $25,000, applies when the stalking violates a court order, the person has a prior stalking conviction or a prior violent offense against the same victim, the victim is under 16, or the stalker had a deadly weapon.

Intentionally trying to prevent your own lawful arrest by someone who reasonably appears to be a police officer is resisting arrest, punishable by up to one year and $500 for a first offense and up to two years and $1,000 for a second or later offense; believing the arrest was unlawful is not a defense. Failing to stop a vehicle when signaled by a uniformed officer or a police car with siren and blue lights (eluding a police officer) is punishable by up to one year and $1,000; up to five years if done while driving negligently or grossly negligently; up to 15 years and $5,000 if it causes serious bodily injury; and one to 15 years and up to $10,000 if it causes death.

A person released with or without bail on condition of appearing in court who fails to appear without just cause can be imprisoned up to two years and/or fined up to $5,000 (a misdemeanor, since the maximum is not more than two years). The same penalty applies whether the underlying charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. A police officer may arrest the person without a warrant if there is probable cause that they failed to appear without just cause.

Only a court can revoke probation, and only after a hearing in open court with prior written notice of the alleged violation and a right to a lawyer (appointed if needed). If the person contests it, the State must prove the violation by a preponderance of the evidence. The court may revoke probation and impose the suspended sentence (or order it served in the community) only if confinement is needed to protect the public, the person needs correctional treatment best provided in confinement, or not revoking would unduly depreciate the seriousness of the violation. Alternatives include continuing probation, changing or adding conditions, a conference or warning, or serving part of the sentence; a revocation order can be appealed.

Obstruction of justice covers intimidating or impeding a witness, juror or court or agency officer by corrupt means, threats or force, harming them or their property because of their role in a case, or otherwise corruptly or by threats or force obstructing the administration of justice. It is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.

Perjury, lying under oath in a court proceeding or a contested state agency case, is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. Making knowingly inconsistent material sworn statements, willfully swearing falsely where an oath is required by law, and signing a false statement 'under the pains and penalties of perjury' are all treated as perjury with the same penalty. Getting someone else to commit perjury carries the same penalty; trying to (when no perjury results) is punishable by up to five years and/or a $500 fine.

Public intoxication is not a crime in Vermont. State policy is that alcoholics and alcohol abusers shall no longer be criminally prosecuted solely for drinking or related behavior that does not directly harm the public or property. A police officer may help an intoxicated person (with consent) get home or to treatment, and must take a person who is incapacitated by alcohol or drugs into protective custody and to a treatment program or hospital; protective custody is not an arrest.

Disorderly conduct means, with intent to cause public inconvenience or annoyance (or recklessly creating that risk), fighting or violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior, unreasonable noise, abusive or obscene language in a public place, disturbing a lawful assembly or meeting without authority, or blocking traffic. It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine, and up to 120 days and/or $1,000 for a second or later offense. A course of such conduct aimed at a specific person is a separate offense, aggravated disorderly conduct.

Vermont charges indecent exposure as open and gross lewdness. Under the prohibited-conduct section, it is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $300 fine for a first offense, and up to two years and/or $1,000 for a second or later offense (both misdemeanors). The older lewd and lascivious conduct statute, covering open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior, allows up to five years and/or a $300 fine, which makes it a felony. Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 16 are a separate, much more serious felony (2 to 15 years for a first offense).

Vermont's prostitution law makes it illegal to engage in prostitution, to procure or solicit someone for prostitution, to occupy or allow a place to be used for prostitution, or to aid or abet it. A violation is punishable by a fine of up to $100 or up to one year in jail (a misdemeanor); a second offense is punishable by up to three years (a felony). The statute does not set a separate, different penalty for buying sex.

Online sports betting is legal in Vermont: the Department of Liquor and Lottery operates sports wagering through contracts with two to six operators using mobile sports wagering platforms, and people under 21 may not bet. Playing cards, dice or other games for money in a gaming house run for profit is punishable by a fine of up to $200 and/or up to 60 days in jail; keeping gambling equipment and letting people use it for gambling is punishable by 10 days to six months and/or a $10 to $500 fine. Selling, renting or possessing gambling machines is punishable by up to six months and/or a $100 fine.

An employee, agent or officer who embezzles or fraudulently converts money or property entrusted to them through the job commits embezzlement. If the value is $100 or less, the penalty is up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine (a misdemeanor); above $100, it is a felony punishable by up to 10 years and/or a $10,000 fine. Bank officers, court-appointed receivers or trustees, executors, administrators and guardians who embezzle are guilty of larceny and face up to 10 years and/or a $1,000 fine.

Identity theft means obtaining, possessing, using or transferring another person's personal identifying information (such as name, Social Security number, account or card numbers, or passwords) with intent to use it to commit a crime, or knowingly or recklessly helping a third person do so without the person's consent. It is a felony punishable by up to three years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine; a second or later conviction involving a separate scheme carries up to 10 years and/or $10,000.

Forging or altering public records, court papers, deeds, wills, checks, promissory notes, stock certificates and other listed documents with intent to injure or defraud is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $1,000 fine; knowingly passing (uttering) such a forged document carries the same penalty. Writing a check knowing it will not be honored is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year and/or a $1,000 fine, and the court orders restitution if the person can pay.

Extortion is maliciously threatening to accuse someone of a crime, or to injure their person or property, in order to get money or another financial advantage or to force them to do something against their will. It is a felony punishable by up to three years in prison and/or a $500 fine. Criminal threatening that puts someone in reasonable fear of death, serious bodily injury or sexual assault is a separate misdemeanor (up to one year and/or $1,000).

First-degree murder is a killing by poison, lying in wait, or willful, deliberate and premeditated killing, or a killing during arson, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery or burglary; all other murder is second degree. First-degree murder carries life in prison with a minimum term of 35 years (a jury may find aggravating or mitigating factors that move the minimum from 15 years up to life without parole). Second-degree murder carries life with a minimum term of 20 years (adjustable from 10 years up to life without parole). Vermont has no third-degree murder; a death caused by willfully and maliciously burning a building is first-degree murder.

Vermont does not divide manslaughter into voluntary and involuntary by statute; manslaughter is punished by 1 to 15 years in prison, a fine up to $3,000, or both. Grossly negligent driving that causes a death carries up to 15 years or a $15,000 fine, and ordinary negligent driving causing death up to 2 years or $3,000. DUI causing a death carries 1 to 15 years or a fine up to $10,000; these driving statutes do not bar a manslaughter prosecution.

A person over 16 who has custody or care of a child and willfully assaults, ill-treats, neglects, abandons or exposes the child in a way that causes unnecessary suffering or endangers health commits cruelty to a child: up to 2 years and/or $500, rising to up to 10 years and/or $20,000 if the child dies, suffers serious bodily injury or is subjected to sexual conduct. Abandoning or exposing a child under two so that the child's life or health is endangered carries up to 10 years and/or $10,000 (with a safe-haven exception for infants up to 30 days old). Causing, encouraging or contributing to the delinquency of a minor carries up to 2 years and/or $2,000.

Willfully and maliciously burning a dwelling (or an attached outbuilding), even one's own, is first-degree arson: 2 to 10 years and/or a fine up to $2,000. Burning any other building or structure is second-degree arson (1 to 5 years and/or $1,000). Burning another person's personal property worth $25 or more is third-degree arson (1 to 3 years and/or $500). Attempting arson is fourth-degree arson (1 to 2 years and/or $500). If someone dies from burning a building, it is first-degree murder.

Cruelty to animals (for example overworking, torturing, tormenting, abandoning, poisoning or cruelly harming an animal, inhumane tethering, or denying adequate food, water, shelter or veterinary care) carries up to 1 year and/or $2,000, and up to 2 years and/or $5,000 for a repeat; some neglect and tethering violations may be handled by a civil citation up to $500 for a first violation. Animal fighting carries up to 5 years and/or $5,000. Aggravated cruelty (intentionally killing an animal by causing undue pain, or maliciously torturing, mutilating or cruelly beating one) carries up to 5 years and/or $5,000, and up to 10 years and/or $7,500 for a repeat. On conviction the court may order the person to forfeit any future right to own, possess or care for animals.

Yes. Knowingly disclosing a nude or sexual image of an identifiable person without consent, intending to harm, harass or intimidate, in a way that would cause a reasonable person harm, carries up to 2 years and/or $2,000; disclosing it for financial profit carries up to 5 years and/or $10,000. The law covers realistic digitally altered images, bars websites from charging to remove such images, and gives the victim a private lawsuit for damages and court orders to stop display.

Disturbing the peace by phone or other electronic communication (contacting someone with intent to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass or annoy and making obscene proposals, threatening injury, or repeatedly contacting them) carries up to 3 months and/or $250, and up to 6 months and/or $500 with a prior conviction.

A minor who knowingly and voluntarily, without coercion, sends an indecent picture of himself or herself by phone or computer violates Vermont's minor sexting law, and anyone who keeps such a picture violates it unless the person took reasonable steps to delete it. A minor's first violation is handled in family court as a juvenile delinquency case and may go to diversion; it cannot be prosecuted as child sexual exploitation and does not require sex-offender registration, and the record is expunged at 18. A repeat may be prosecuted under the sexual-exploitation chapter (still without registration). An adult who keeps such a picture faces up to 6 months and/or $300.

Human trafficking (recruiting, harboring, transporting or obtaining a person under 18 for commercial sex, using force, fraud or coercion to compel commercial sex, subjecting a person to labor servitude, or profiting from such a venture) carries up to life in prison and/or a fine up to $500,000. Aggravated human trafficking (a child victim, a prior trafficking conviction, serious bodily injury or death, or trafficking that involves sexual assault) carries 20 years to life and/or $100,000. Child victims of sex trafficking are not charged with prostitution.

A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than within a marked crosswalk must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent intersections with working signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and diagonal crossing is allowed only where signs or an officer permit. Pedestrians must obey traffic-control devices. These are civil traffic violations, not crimes; where no specific penalty is set, the penalty is up to $1,000.

Drivers may not drink alcohol or have an open container of alcohol in the passenger area (including an unlocked glove compartment) while driving on a public highway; passengers may not drink or hold open containers either, except in vehicles for hire and motor-home living quarters. These are civil violations: a driver who drinks faces up to $500; an open container of alcohol carries up to $25 for driver or passenger.

A person 12 to 20 who lies about age to buy alcohol, possesses alcohol to drink, or drinks alcohol commits a civil violation and is referred to court diversion for the Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program. If the program is not completed, the penalty is $300 and a 30-day license suspension for a first offense, and up to $600 and a 90-day suspension for a repeat. Driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.02 or more under 21 brings a license suspension (180 days for a first offense if the program is not completed).

Driving while suspended or revoked for most reasons (such as unpaid fines or points) is a civil traffic violation, but a third or later violation within two years can be a crime with up to 2 years and/or $5,000. Driving while suspended for DUI, test refusal, grossly negligent driving, eluding police, leaving the scene of an injury or fatal crash, or a prior criminal suspended-license offense is a crime with up to 2 years and/or $5,000; for DUI-related suspensions there are mandatory minimums, such as a $300 fine or 40 hours of community service for a first offense and $750 or 80 hours for a second within five years.

A Vermont resident may not drive on a highway without a valid license. Because no separate penalty is set, unlicensed driving is a civil traffic violation (not a crime) with a penalty of up to $1,000. A learner's-permit holder driving without a qualified adult beside them faces up to $50 and a 90-day permit recall. A licensed driver must carry the license, but is not convicted if a license that was valid (or expired within 14 days) is shown to the citing agency within seven business days.

Vermont's weapons chapter does not ban any knife type or set a blade-length limit; it regulates 'dangerous or deadly weapons' by how they are used or intended to be used. Carrying a dangerous or deadly weapon with intent to injure another carries up to 2 years and/or $2,000 (up to 10 years if intending to injure multiple people). Knowingly possessing a dangerous or deadly weapon in a school building or on a school bus carries up to 1 year and/or $1,000 (up to 3 years for a repeat), unless authorized by the school; such weapons are also barred in courthouses without court permission.

Vermont bans the sale, possession and use of consumer fireworks except under a display permit from the local fire chief (or selectboard); sellers need both federal (ATF) and municipal permits. Sparklers are excluded from the ban if they meet federal safety rules (hand-held sparklers under 14 inches with no more than 20 grams of mixture, plus snakes, party poppers, smoke devices and similar novelties), but hand-held sparklers may not be sold to minors. A violation is a misdemeanor with up to 30 days and/or $100 per violation; an indoor display without a permit carries up to 1 year and/or $5,000.

Kidnapping is knowingly restraining someone to hold them for ransom, as a shield or hostage, to injure them or put anyone in fear of injury or sexual assault, or to help commit another crime, or (by a non-relative) restraining a child under 16 to keep them from their lawful custodian for a substantial period. It is punishable by up to life in prison and a $50,000 fine, reduced to up to 30 years if the defendant voluntarily released the victim alive in a safe place before arraignment without serious injury. Unlawful restraint in the first degree (restraining someone in circumstances risking serious bodily injury, or holding someone in involuntary servitude) carries up to 15 years and $50,000. Unlawful restraint in the second degree (knowingly restraining someone, or a non-relative taking or harboring a child under 18 without the custodian's consent) carries up to five years and $25,000, all felonies.

Criminal threatening is knowingly threatening another person or a group of particular persons by words or conduct in a way that puts someone in reasonable fear of death, serious bodily injury or sexual assault; constitutionally protected activity is excluded. It is punishable by up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. The maximum rises to two years and $2,000 if the threat is meant to stop someone from reporting child abuse; concerns a school, college, library, place of worship, polling place, the State House or a government building; aims to intimidate or retaliate against a candidate, public servant, election official or public employee; or targets a health care or emergency medical worker over their work.

Operating someone else's motor vehicle without the owner's consent is a crime: if the person should have known they lacked consent, the fine is up to $500; if they knew, up to two years in prison and a $1,000 fine. Aggravated operation without consent (knowingly, plus the car is not recovered within 24 hours, suffers $500 or more in damage, is disguised or has its VIN or plates altered, is used in a felony, is abandoned out of state, or someone is injured) carries up to five years and a $2,000 fine. Stealing a car can also be charged as larceny: grand larceny over $900 carries up to 10 years and $5,000, and petit larceny up to one year and $1,000. Taking a boat or aircraft without consent carries up to one year and $500.

Buying, receiving, selling, possessing (unless intending to return it to the owner), or helping hide property knowing it is stolen is punished the same as stealing it; for a dealer in property, knowing or believing it is stolen is enough. Because the penalty follows larceny, it carries up to 10 years and a $5,000 fine if the property is worth more than $900, and up to one year and $1,000 if it is worth $900 or less. The person can be prosecuted where the theft could have been prosecuted, even if the property was received elsewhere.

Vermont has no state law that creates a separate organized retail theft offense. Retail theft (shoplifting, switching price tags or containers, using fake receipts or UPC labels, or possessing booster bags or tag-removal tools) is punished by value: up to 30 days and $500 for $250 or less; for $250.01 to $900, up to six months on a first offense, rising to two, three and then 10 years for repeat offenses within two years of each other; and up to 10 years and $1,000 over $900. Possessing 15 or more fake receipts or UPC labels, or booster bags or detector-removal tools, carries up to 10 years and $5,000.

Vermont sets penalties drug by drug, by amount. For cocaine, selling carries up to five years and $100,000 (dispensing without sale up to three years); 2.5 grams or more up to 10 years and $250,000; one ounce or more up to 20 years and $1,000,000; and possessing 150 grams or more with intent to sell is trafficking, up to 30 years and $1,000,000 (possessing that much allows an inference of intent to sell). For fentanyl, selling 4 milligrams or more carries up to 10 years, 20 milligrams or more up to 20 years, and possessing 70 milligrams or more with intent to sell up to 30 years and $1,000,000; bringing more than 20 milligrams into Vermont to sell adds up to 10 years. Heroin, methamphetamine and other drugs have their own sections.

Getting or trying to get a regulated drug by fraud, deceit, misrepresentation or subterfuge, by forging or altering a prescription, by hiding a material fact, or by using a false name or address is a crime, and so is making or passing a forged prescription or posing as a doctor or pharmacist to get drugs. 'Doctor shopping' (being knowingly supplied drugs or a prescription by a second physician without disclosing the first) also violates the law. The penalty is up to two years and one day in prison and a $5,000 fine, making it a felony.

If driving under the influence causes serious bodily injury to someone other than the driver, the penalty is up to 15 years in prison and a $5,000 fine, with a separate count for each person injured, and a mandatory minimum prison term for drivers with two or more prior DUI convictions. Grossly negligent operation of a motor vehicle that causes serious bodily injury or death to another also carries up to 15 years and $15,000; ordinary negligent operation causing serious injury or death carries up to two years and $3,000.

Vermont has no state law that makes street racing or a speed contest on a highway its own offense in the motor vehicle operation chapter. Related offenses in that chapter include excessive speed (60 mph or more and at least 30 mph over the limit), punishable by up to three months and $300 on a first conviction and six months and $500 on a second, and negligent or grossly negligent operation.

Operating or being in actual physical control of a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more, or while under the influence of alcohol or of drugs to a degree that makes safe operation impossible, is boating under the influence. It carries up to one year in prison and a fine of $200 to $750 for a first offense and $250 to $1,000 for a second or later offense, and a conviction suspends the privilege to operate a vessel (other than a nonmotorized canoe or rowboat) for one year. If a death results, the penalty is one to 15 years and up to $10,000; if serious bodily injury results, up to 15 years and $5,000.

Insurance fraud is, with intent to defraud, presenting an insurance claim containing false statements about a material fact or concealing a material fact, or giving false information when selling insurance or about an insurer's finances. If the benefit gained or loss caused is under $900, the penalty is up to six months and $5,000; over $900, up to five years and $10,000; and a second or later offense carries up to five years and $20,000 regardless of value. Convicted licensed practitioners are reported to their licensing authority.

Knowingly hiding or misstating facts to get or keep public assistance (such as SNAP or health care benefits), failing to report changes in circumstances, or misusing or trafficking SNAP cards or health program ID cards is fraud. If the benefits from one scheme total $1,000 or less, the penalty is up to one year and a fine up to the amount wrongfully obtained; over $1,000, up to three years and a fine up to that amount. Program staff who misappropriate benefits and providers who file false claims face up to 10 years; benefits can be recouped from ongoing payments, and convicted Medicaid providers are suspended for four years. Making a false statement to get or increase unemployment benefits is separately prohibited.

Corruptly giving, offering or promising a gift to a state or local officer, employee or candidate to influence their official decision is bribery: up to two years and $5,000 if the gift is under $500, and up to five years and $10,000 if $500 or more. An officer or employee who corruptly asks for or accepts such a gift faces up to two years and $5,000 under $500, and up to 10 years and $10,000 at $500 or more. Kickbacks to private company purchasing agents (commercial bribery) carry up to two years under $500 and up to five years at $500 or more.

For Vermont income tax, knowingly failing to file a return is punishable by up to one year and $1,000, as is failing to pay with intent to evade $500 or less in a year. Failing to file or pay with intent to evade more than $500 in a single year carries up to three years and $10,000. Knowingly filing a false return carries up to one year and $1,000, or up to three years and $10,000 if done to evade more than $500; violations based on income from illegal drug sales can bring fines up to $100,000.

Sexual assault (a sexual act without consent, by threats or coercion, by fear of injury, with someone the actor knows is asleep or unaware, or with someone drugged without their knowledge or substantially impaired) carries at least 3 years and up to life in prison, plus a fine of up to $25,000. Aggravated sexual assault (sexual assault with serious injury, help from others, kidnapping, a prior sexual assault conviction, a deadly weapon, threats of serious injury, deadly force, repeated acts, or a victim under 13 assaulted by an adult) carries 10 years to life and a fine of up to $50,000, with at least 10 years to serve (the court may depart down to no less than 5 years with written findings). Sex with a child under 16 is also sexual assault (up to 20 years); see the age-of-consent page.

Aggravated sexual assault of a child (an adult's sexual assault of a child under 16 with serious injury, help from others, kidnapping, a weapon, threats, deadly force, repeated acts or a prior sexual assault conviction) carries 25 years to life with at least 25 years to serve and no early release, plus a fine of up to $50,000. An adult's sexual assault of a child under 13 is aggravated sexual assault (10 years to life). Sexual assault of a child under 18 entrusted to the actor's care or who is the actor's child, grandchild, foster child, adopted child or stepchild carries 3 years to life. Lewd or lascivious conduct with a child under 16 carries 2 to 15 years for a first offense, 5 years to life for a second and 10 years to life for a third.

Vermont calls it child sexual abuse material, and 'child' in this chapter means a person under 16. Knowingly possessing or accessing with intent to view a depiction of sexual conduct by a child carries up to 5 years and/or a $10,000 fine (up to 2 years for a lewd exhibition without sexual conduct), and up to 10 years and/or $50,000 after a prior possession conviction. Using a child in a sexual performance, a parent consenting to it, or promoting (distributing) recordings of sexual conduct by a child carries up to 10 years and/or $20,000, or 1 to 15 years and/or $50,000 for a repeat offense. Making such material of a child under 18 who is not a 'child' under this chapter may be prosecuted under other laws not summarized here.

Yes. Luring a child (knowingly soliciting, luring, manipulating or enticing, or trying to, a child under 16, or someone believed to be under 16, to engage in a sexual act or lewd conduct, by any means including in person, phone, writing or electronic communication) carries up to 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. It does not apply if the person is under 19, the child is at least 15 and the conduct is consensual.

People convicted of listed sex offenses must report to the Vermont Sex Offender Registry (Department of Public Safety) every year within 10 days after their birthday (every 90 days for sexually violent predators), and within three days of changing address, job, school or name. Registration lasts 10 years after release from prison or discharge from parole, supervised release or probation, and for life for people with a prior registrable conviction, people convicted of sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault (with a limited exception for age-based cases), sexually violent predators, and noncompliant high-risk offenders. Knowingly failing to comply carries up to 2 years and/or $1,000 (up to 3 years and/or $5,000 for a repeat offense), or up to 5 years and/or $5,000 if the failure lasts more than five consecutive days, served consecutively to any other sentence.

Vermont's ban applies to people convicted of a 'violent crime', not all felonies: most 'listed crimes' (such as murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, aggravated or domestic assault, stalking, kidnapping, armed robbery or robbery causing injury, arson causing death and burglary of an occupied dwelling), child sexual exploitation offenses, felony drug sales or trafficking, and comparable out-of-state convictions. Possessing a firearm after such a conviction carries up to 2 years and/or a $1,000 fine. The ban does not apply to a person who has been granted relief from federal firearms restrictions under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c).

Knowingly and intentionally accessing a computer, system, network, software or data without lawful authority carries up to 6 months and/or a $500 fine. Accessing a computer to defraud or obtain money, property or services by false pretenses carries up to 1 year (2 years for a repeat offense) when $500 or less is involved, and up to 10 years and/or $10,000 above $500. Intentionally altering, damaging or interfering with a computer or data, or stealing or destroying computer systems, software or data, carries up to 1 year and/or $5,000 for $500 or less (2 years for a repeat), and up to 10 years and/or $25,000 for more than $500. Victims may sue for damages. The chapter does not name ransomware.

Knowingly giving false information to police to implicate someone else or deflect an investigation carries up to 1 year and/or a $1,000 fine. Reporting a crime or incident the person knows did not happen, or pretending to have information about one, carries up to 6 months and/or $500. A false alarm of fire or another emergency to an emergency agency carries up to 1 year and/or $1,000 (up to 5 years if someone is injured or killed as a result), and a false report of a bombing or other catastrophe likely to cause an evacuation or alarm carries up to 2 years and/or $5,000 (up to 5 years and/or $10,000 for a repeat offense). Vermont's statutes do not name swatting separately.

Yes. Committing or attempting any crime motivated in whole or in part by the victim's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, military or National Guard service, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity raises the maximum penalty: to 2 years and/or $2,000 if the crime's maximum is one year or less, and to 5 years and/or $10,000 if its maximum is more than one year but less than five. For crimes carrying five years or more, the usual penalty applies but the court must consider the motive at sentencing. Victims can also seek injunctions and civil damages.

Vermont has parole, decided by the Parole Board. When the board has reason to believe a parolee violated parole, it may issue an arrest warrant or an order to appear, and a designated correctional officer may arrest without a warrant. The parolee is held pending a prompt hearing before the board, with no right to bail (though the board may authorize release). If the violation is established by substantial evidence, the board may continue or revoke parole or enter another order; if no violation is found, the parolee is credited with the time lost.

Intentionally violating a relief-from-abuse order, an order against stalking or sexual assault, a protective order concerning contact with a child, or a valid out-of-state order, after being served, carries up to 1 year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine. A second or later violation, or a violation by someone previously convicted of domestic assault or aggravated domestic assault, carries up to 3 years and/or $25,000. The court generally orders domestic abuse counseling or a prevention program for violating an abuse prevention order.

Vermont's Family Division handles most offenses committed before age 19 (rising to 20 on July 1, 2027). Cases for 14- to 21-year-olds accused of serious listed offenses (such as murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, aggravated assault, armed robbery, arson causing death, maiming, sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault) start in the adult Criminal Division, as do 16-and-older cases for using a firearm in a felony, drug trafficking or aggravated stalking, unless the prosecutor files them as youthful offender cases in the Family Division; these can be transferred back. On the prosecutor's motion and after a hearing, the Family Division may also transfer to adult court any felony committed at 16 or older, or a listed offense committed at 12 or 13.

Vermont's homicide statutes do not provide a death sentence. The most serious penalty is for aggravated murder (murder with a listed circumstance, such as killing a law enforcement officer, firefighter or corrections worker on duty, murder for hire, multiple murders, or murder during a sexual assault): life imprisonment with no lesser term, no parole, and no probation or suspended sentence. First degree murder carries a minimum of 35 years (adjustable by the jury to between 15 years and life without parole) and a maximum of life; second degree murder a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of life.

Vermont does not take away the right to vote for a criminal conviction. A person convicted of a crime keeps the right to vote, including while serving a sentence of confinement: they vote by early voter absentee ballot at their last voluntary residence (not the prison address) if they meet the other voting requirements (U.S. citizen, Vermont resident, 18 or older, and has taken the voter's oath).

Voting rights are never lost in Vermont, so they need no restoration. For other legal consequences of a conviction ('mandatory sanctions'), a person may petition the court for a certificate of restoration of rights five years after the most recent conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later; the court may grant it if the person shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they have a lawful occupation or support, are complying with their sentence, have no pending charges, and pose no unreasonable risk. A certificate cannot relieve sex-offender registration, certain driver's license sanctions, ineligibility for law enforcement jobs, or sanctions from a 'listed crime' or drug trafficking conviction. Vermont's firearm ban for people convicted of a violent crime does not apply to a person granted federal relief under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c).

Vermont's habitual criminal law allows a sentence of up to life in prison for a person who commits a felony (other than murder) after having been convicted three times of felonies or attempted felonies in Vermont, or of crimes elsewhere that would be felonies in Vermont. The life term is allowed, not required.

Since June 18, 2026, the Cannabis Control Board oversees both cannabis and hemp in Vermont. Hemp processors, including anyone trading in hemp-derived cannabinoids, must be licensed by the Board, and every hemp-derived product containing or reasonably expected to contain more than 0.4 mg of THC must be registered with the Board before it is sold. The Board may decide when a registered product with more than 0.4 mg THC must be limited to buyers 21 or older or to certain settings, and it has authority to regulate synthetic and hemp-derived cannabinoids, including delta-8 and delta-10 THC. A hemp-derived product that the Board prohibits or deems a regulated cannabis product, or that is not lawful in interstate commerce, is treated as a cannabis product rather than hemp.

Psilocybin is a 'hallucinogenic drug' under Vermont law. Knowingly and unlawfully possessing it is punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a $2,000 fine; 10 or more doses, up to five years and/or $25,000; 100 or more doses, up to 10 years and/or $100,000; and 1,000 or more doses, up to 15 years and/or $500,000. Selling it is punishable by up to five years and/or $25,000, with higher penalties by number of doses.

Hemp products in Vermont, including products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids such as CBD, are legal if they meet the federal THC limit for hemp. Since June 18, 2026 they are regulated by the Cannabis Control Board: processors must be licensed, and any hemp-derived product containing or reasonably expected to contain more than 0.4 mg of THC must be registered with the Board before sale. The Board may set labeling and testing rules, require disclosure of cannabinoid content, limit hazardous additives, and restrict higher-THC products to people 21 or older; it may issue 'stop sale' orders for noncompliant products.

The minimum age to buy tobacco products, tobacco substitutes (which include e-cigarettes and other nicotine products) and tobacco paraphernalia in Vermont is 21. A person who sells or furnishes them to someone under 21 faces a civil penalty of up to $150 for a first offense and $500 for later ones, and licensees face suspensions and administrative penalties. A person under 21 may not possess or buy them; the products may be confiscated, and one who uses false ID to buy them must choose up to 10 hours of community service or a youth tobacco cessation program (handled like a traffic violation).

Vermont's crimes against 'vulnerable adults' cover people 18 or older who live in licensed care facilities or psychiatric units, receive personal care services, or are impaired by brain damage, infirmities of aging, or a disability that limits their ability to care for or protect themselves (there is no age-only category). Abuse is punishable by up to one year and/or $1,000; assaulting a known vulnerable adult up to two years and/or $2,000; and aggravated assault up to 20 years and/or $10,000. A caregiver's neglect carries up to 18 months, or up to 15 years if it causes serious bodily injury. Financial exploitation is punishable by up to 18 months for $500 or less and up to 10 years for more than $500 (fines up to $10,000).

Voyeurism covers intentionally viewing, or secretly photographing, filming or recording, someone's intimate areas or sexual conduct without their knowledge and consent where they expect privacy, and secret surveillance or recording inside a home. A first offense against an adult is punishable by up to two years and/or $1,000 (up to three years and $5,000 for a repeat); against a victim under 18, up to three years and/or $5,000 (up to five years and $10,000 for a repeat). Showing or disclosing such a recording to a third party is punishable by up to five years and/or $5,000, and victims may sue.

Assaulting a 'protected professional' (a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical worker, hospital health care worker, or Department for Children and Families worker) while they perform a lawful duty adds an extra penalty on top of the simple or aggravated assault penalty: up to one more year for a first offense and up to 10 years for a second or later offense. Intentionally causing bodily fluids to contact a protected professional on duty is punishable by up to one year and/or $1,000. Simple assault alone is punishable by up to one year and/or $1,000.