VT · Resolve a warrant

How do I resolve a warrant and turn myself in in Vermont?

Commercial bail available

You have options. Here is the calm, step-by-step way to resolve a warrant in Vermont and turn yourself in on your own terms.

Last verified 2026-07-23Release Commercial bailJurisdiction Vermont

The path to resolving a warrant in Vermont

You do not have to wait to be caught off guard. This is the ordered, on-your-own-terms way to handle it — each step points to an official source.

Step 1

Confirm the warrant and identify the issuing court

Contact the Criminal Division of the Vermont Superior Court in the county where charges are pending, or use the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal to locate your case and then confirm with the clerk, to verify a warrant and get the docket number and your next court date. Provide your full name and date of birth.
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Step 2

Ask the court about recalling a bench / failure-to-appear warrant

For a warrant issued because a court date was missed, ask the clerk how that court re-sets the matter and how the warrant can be recalled; asking the court to recall the warrant is one available procedural option. This is noted only as an option, not as a recommended strategy. In Vermont, the warrant this applies to is typically a bench warrant (issued by a judge, commonly for failure to appear or failure to comply with a court order), and only the court that issued it can recall or re-set it.
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Step 3

Arrange to appear or self-surrender on scheduled terms

Depending on the warrant and the court's instructions, you may resolve it by appearing at the Superior Court on a re-set date or by surrendering through law enforcement. The Vermont State Police, county sheriff, or local police can confirm an outstanding warrant. Call ahead to confirm the correct location, hours, and procedure before going. In Vermont, this is a matter of timing, not a legal outcome. Unresolved failure-to-appear matters can lead to additional charges and added court costs.
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Step 4

Arraignment and release decision follow

After booking, a judicial officer sets release under 13 V.S.A. section 7554: personal recognizance or an unsecured appearance bond, conditions of release, or a secured bond you satisfy by posting cash or a refundable deposit of up to 10 percent directly with the court clerk. Vermont generally does not use commercial bondsmen.
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Turning yourself in on your own terms in Vermont

Addressing a warrant on your own terms means choosing the timing and location within the court's procedures, typically during regular court or intake business hours, rather than being taken into custody unexpectedly during a traffic stop or at home or work. This is a logistical consideration about timing and preparation only and does not predict any legal result.

What to bring

A valid government-issued photo ID
Any court paperwork or the docket or case number you have
If bail is set, funds to post cash or a deposit of up to 10 percent directly with the court, since Vermont generally has no commercial bondsmen
A written list of any medications you take
Contact information for a family member or friend who can help
Do not bring weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items into a court or correctional facility

What to expect

Expect booking (fingerprints, photograph, and a records check) and arraignment before a judicial officer who sets conditions of release under 13 V.S.A. section 7554.

Any bail is posted directly with the court, not through a private bondsman.

Processing times vary by county.

This is logistical information only.

In Vermont, the matter being addressed is generally a bench warrant.

How bail and release work in Vermont

Commercial bail available

In Vermont, commercial bail exists. If a judge sets money bail, it can be posted in cash with the court or through a licensed bail agent for a fee — and a judge may also release you on your own recognizance or on conditions.

Commercial surety bail bonds are legally permitted in Vermont, but the state has little to no active commercial bail-bond industry, so in practice most defendants do not use a bondsman.

Under Vermont's pretrial-release statute (13 V.S.A. § 7554), a person is ordinarily released on personal recognizance or an unsecured appearance bond, or on conditions of release; when money bail is set, it is typically posted directly with the court, either the full cash amount or a refundable deposit of not more than 10 percent of the bond amount, returned when the defendant makes the required appearances.

Paying a commercial bondsman's premium is not the usual path in Vermont.

There is generally no commercial bondsman premium to pay in Vermont, because the state has little to no commercial bail-bond industry. If bail is set, it is typically posted directly with the court, either the full cash amount or a refundable deposit of up to 10 percent of the bond under 13 V.S.A. section 7554, most of which is returned when you make your required appearances. Ask the court clerk about the 10 percent deposit option and about release on conditions.

Your rights. You have the right to talk to a lawyer about your situation, and if you cannot afford one, you can ask the court about a public defender.

A few cautions before you go

Confirm the warrant directly with the Criminal Division clerk of the Vermont Superior Court before acting; do not rely on unofficial third-party 'warrant lookup' websites.
Vermont has little to no commercial bail-bond industry. Be cautious of anyone offering to sell a 'bail bond' or 'walk-through bail' for a Vermont case, because bail is generally posted directly with the court, either as cash or a refundable deposit of up to 10 percent.
A warrant does not expire on its own; ignoring it leaves you subject to arrest at any law-enforcement contact, and unresolved court matters can add costs.
Call the court ahead of time to confirm the correct location, intake hours, and surrender procedure, which vary by county.

Contact the issuing court or county sheriff in Vermont

A warrant is issued by a court and served by the county sheriff — they are who can confirm it and tell you the exact way to resolve it. Start with these official Vermont sources.

Not sure you actually have a warrant?

Before you act, confirm whether one exists. warrant.guru walks through exactly how to check in Vermont.

Check for a warrant in Vermont Looking for someone in jail or prison? Find them

Common questions about resolving a warrant in Vermont

How do I resolve a warrant in Vermont?

Confirm the warrant with the court that issued it or the county sheriff, then work through these steps: Confirm the warrant and identify the issuing court; Ask the court about recalling a bench / failure-to-appear warrant; Arrange to appear or self-surrender on scheduled terms; Arraignment and release decision follow.

How do I turn myself in in Vermont?

Does Vermont have commercial bail bondsmen?

Yes. Commercial bail exists in Vermont: licensed bail agents operate here, and if a judge sets money bail it can be posted in cash with the court or through a licensed bail agent for a fee. A judge may also grant own-recognizance or conditional release.

What should I bring if I turn myself in in Vermont?

A valid government-issued photo ID; Any court paperwork or the docket or case number you have; If bail is set, funds to post cash or a deposit of up to 10 percent directly with the court, since Vermont generally has no commercial bondsmen; A written list of any medications you take; Contact information for a family member or friend who can help; Do not bring weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items into a court or correctional facility.

Sources & last verified

Everything here links out to official government or public-reference sources. We don't store or republish records.

Last verified 2026-07-23 · 4 sources