Vermont Rules of Criminal Procedure – 2026

Criminal procedure in the Criminal Division. Rule 7 governs the indictment and information, Rule 16 is the broad discovery rule, and Rule 15 covers depositions, which are available more freely in Vermont criminal practice than in most states.

Last updated September 06, 2026

Browse all 74 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.

I. Scope, Purpose, and Construction

Rule 1 Scope Rule 2 Purpose and Construction

II. Preliminary Proceedings

Rule 3 Arrest Without A Warrant; Citation to Appear Rule 4 Summons or Arrest Warrant Upon Indictment or Information Rule 5 Appearance Before a Judicial Officer Div. II II. Preliminary Proceedings

III. Indictment and Information

Rule 6 The Grand Jury Rule 7 The Indictment and the Information Rule 8 Joinder of Offenses and Defendants Rule 9 [Reserved.]

IV. Arraignment and Preparation for Trial

Rule 10 Arraignment Rule 11 Pleas Rule 11.1 Pleas; Additional Remedies for Failure to Provide Advisement Regarding Collateral Consequences of Charges Under 18 V.S.A. § 4230(a) Rule 12 Pleadings and Motions Before Trial; Status Conference Rule 12.1 Notice of Alibi, Insanity or Expert Testimony Rule 13 Trial Together of Indictments or Informations Rule 14 Severance of Offenses or Defendants Rule 15 Depositions Rule 16 Discovery by Defendant Rule 16.1 Disclosure to the Prosecution Rule 16.2 Regulation of Discovery Rule 17 Subpoena Rule 17.1 Pretrial Conference

IX. Supplementary and Special Proceedings

Rule 40 [Reserved.] Rule 41 Search and Seizure Rule 41.1 Nontestimonial Identification Rule 42 Criminal Contempt Rule 43 Presence of the Defendant Rule 44 Right to and Assignment of Counsel Rule 44.1 Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem for Victim Who Is a Child Rule 44.2 Appearance and Withdrawal of Attorneys Rule 45 Time Rule 46 Release From Custody Rule 47 Motions Rule 48 Dismissal Rule 49 Service, Filing and Signing of Papers Rule 50 Calendar; Assignment; Continuances; Disqualification Rule 51 Rule Exceptions Unnecessary Rule 52 Harmless Error and Plain Error Rule 53 Possession and Use of Recording and Transmitting Devices Rule 53.1 Use of Video Recording Equipment in Trial Court Proceedings Rule 54 Application and Definitions Rule 55 Books and Records Kept by the Clerk and Entries Therein Rule 56 Courts and Clerks Rule 57 Procedure Not Otherwise Specified Rule 58 Forms Rule 59 Effective Date Rule 60 Title

V. Venue

Rule 18 Place of Prosecution and Trial Rule 19 [Reserved.] Rule 20 [Reserved.] Rule 21 Change of Venue Rule 22 Time of Motion for Change of Venue

VI. Trial

Rule 23 Trial by Jury or by the Court Rule 24 Trial Jurors Rule 25 Disability of a Judge Rule 26 Evidence Rule 26.1 Determination of Local and Foreign Law Rule 26.2 Testimony by Video Conference Rule 27 Proof of Official Record Rule 28 Interpreter Services Rule 29 Motion for Judgment of Acquittal Rule 29.1 Closing Argument in Jury Cases Rule 30 Instructions Rule 31 Verdict

VII. Judgment

Rule 32 Sentence and Judgment Rule 32.1 Revocation and Modification of Probation Rule 33 New Trial Rule 34 Arrest of Judgment Rule 35 Correction, Reduction and Modification of Sentence Rule 36 Clerical Mistakes

VIII. Appeal

Rule 37 [Reserved.] Rule 38 Stay of Execution Rule 39 [Reserved.]