helpful legal links & Resources
The role of the team at the Bennington County State's Attorney's office is to represent the State of Vermont in court proceedings in order to best serve the interests of all county residents. The legal system has many facets which touch people's lives but which are not handled by the State's Attorney.
Here you can find access to information which can assist with matters relating to you and your family.
traffic violations
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) puts points on your driving record each time you are found guilty of breaking a motor vehicle law. More serious instances may require you to appear in court. Find more information on traffic laws from the Vermont DMV.
Guardianship
Parents are the natural guardians for their children. But there are circumstances when a court-appointed guardian is needed to provide for the personal care or protection of the property of a minor or both. Also get information about involuntary and voluntary guardianships for adults.
ABUSE Prevention
Vermont law provides protection from abuse in families and other close relationships, including in marriage and civil unions. There is special protection offered by Vermont's Abuse Prevention Act. If you or someone you know needs help contact Project Against Violent Encounters (PAVE) at 802-442-2111 or visit the link below.
ADOLESCENT RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
The Center for Restorative Justice provides highly successful restorative justice programs, court diversion, effective education and prevention resources, and valuable intervention services for adolescents and their families. CRJ is an active member of the Vermont Association of Court Diversion Programs and the Community Justice Network of Vermont.
expungement
The VCIC Criminal History Repository staff will purge any charge(s) on an individuals criminal history record when directed to do so by a court order. You must contact the District Court in which you were convicted to determine the possibility of having the Court issue the Expungement order or Sealing order.
VERMONT STATE POLICE
The Vermont State Police individually and collectively serves and protects by providing the highest quality of professional law enforcement services to over 200 towns in Vermont. Their vision is to be leaders in policing with an emphasis on fairness, compassion and service. Contact them in times of need.
Bennington Police Department
The Bennington Police Department was the first municipal police department chartered in the State of Vermont in 1856. Today, Chief Paul Doucette leads a full service law enforcement agency of 40 sworn and non-sworn individuals dedicated to providing the best in public safety and service to the communities they serve.
Manchester Police Department
The Manchester Police Department covers the Manchester and Manchester Village areas. Chief Michael Hall and Lieutenant Patrick Owens supervise eight officers and one detective who respond to all nature of calls in Manchester. The police department is located at 6041 Main Street in Manchester Center, Vermont behind the Manchester Town Offices.
Winhall Police Department
The Winhall Police & Rescue Department serves the Town of Winhall. Led by Chief Jeffrey Whitesell, all full-time officers of Winhall Police & Rescue are certified EMT's and many of the staff hold advanced level certifications. In 2011, Winhall Police became the first in the State of Vermont to be licensed as a paramedic level first responder service.
Bennington County Sheriff's Department
Sheriff Chad Schmidt and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department serves the entirety of Bennington County and has the largest number of law enforcement officers of any agency in the county. Their deputies work as School Resource Officers, DARE Officers, DUI Enforcement Officers and Seatbelt Enforcement Officers.
Court Calendar
If you are interested in reviewing the cases which are being heard in the Bennington Criminal Division, please follow this link.
THE COLLABORATIVE
The Collaborative is a community organization based in Londonderry, VT. Their mission is to promote the development of healthy communities supporting substance free youth in a caring environment.
TIP411 App
The Bennington County Sheriff's Tip411 app provides citizens the ability to submit anonymous tips to the sheriff's department. The app also displays agency crime alerts, and other organization web and social media content. Download onto your mobile device.