VERMONT JUDICIAL BUREAU

jud-vjb@state.vt.us

The Vermont Judicial Bureau has jurisdiction over complaints issued by state and local law enforcement officers:

• civil violation complaints a.k.a "traffic tickets"
• municipal ordinance
• fish and wildlife
• hazing
• minors possessing alcohol

Some defendants admit that they broke the law and pay the penalty shown on the complaint. Others contest the violation cited by the law enforcement officer and have their cases decided by a hearing officer.

During the hearing, both parties may present evidence and call witnesses. The state or municipality must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant violated a state law or municipal ordinance. If the hearing officer decides in favor of the plaintiff, a penalty will be imposed; the penalty is usually the same as was shown on the complaint but may be different depending on the facts of the case, past violations and ability to pay. Either party may appeal the decision in District Court.

There are four hearing officers; the Vermont Judicial Bureau director and his staff are responsible for the daily operations of the court.

Paying a Traffic Ticket?

Click here to get to the Judicial Bureau Motion Form.

Click here to get the Waiver Penalty/Schedule of Fines.

Click here to go to the Speeding Penalty Chart

Honorable Rita Flynn Villa, Hearing Officer
Honorable Charon True, Hearing Officer
Gabrielle Lapointe, Manager