Vermont Accountability Court: Expansion Plans After Burlington Pilot Success

Burlington’s ‘Accountability Court’ Shows Promise in Reducing Case Backlog, Future Uncertain

BURLINGTON, Vt. – A pilot program designed to address a significant backlog in Chittenden County’s criminal court system is drawing praise from state leaders, even as its future remains unclear. The Chittenden County accountability docket, established last October, focused on resolving cases involving defendants with five or more pending charges, and is slated to phase out in early February.

The court’s success hinges on a collaborative approach, embedding social workers within the legal system to address underlying issues contributing to repeat offenses, according to Defender General Matt Valerio. Before the program began, prosecutors and defense attorneys frequently encountered the same individuals cycling through the court system, grappling with challenges like housing instability, mental health concerns, and substance abuse.

Governor Phil Scott initially proposed the special court model to alleviate the backlog and connect offenders with necessary services. Defendants were assigned to the court only if they had five or more open cases. In the designated courtroom, staff from the Vermont Agency of Human Services and other organizations worked alongside attorneys and a dedicated judge to provide temporary housing or connect defendants with recovery resources.

Since its inception in October, the accountability court has resolved 702 out of 972 cases, according to data presented to the House Committee on Corrections and Institutions. This progress has been a significant relief for Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George, who noted that case numbers are the lowest they’ve been in her 15 years as a prosecutor.

Zach Weight, the prosecutor assigned to the special court, emphasized the program’s success in linking defendants to social services. “Connecting them with resources, instead of sending them to prison, kept many from committing more crimes,” he said. “Some of them are doing exceptionally well.”

However, Valerio cautioned that the court’s success is directly tied to the resources it received. “This isn’t lawyering; social work made that happen,” he said, pointing out that not all counties in Vermont have the same level of social service infrastructure as Burlington.

Concerns have been raised about the potential for disparities in justice if the model is implemented unevenly across the state. Senator Tanya Vyhovsky expressed worry that some counties might not have the resources to replicate the program’s success. Representative Angela Arsenault voiced concerns about the long-term sustainability of the initiative, stating, “I’m worried that it’s going to be this great thing that we don’t sustain.”

Governor Scott has proposed allocating $500,000 in his budget to expand the accountability court model to other counties, acknowledging that the specific implementation will vary depending on local needs. The initial costs for the Chittenden County pilot were estimated at around $150,000.

Other News from Montpelier

In other news from the Statehouse, Governor Scott indicated he believes the current system for selecting Vermont’s adjutant general – where legislators elect the head of the National Guard – should be changed. He suggested a panel of legislators vet candidates and recommend them for his consideration, similar to the process for appointing judges.

The Senate also passed a bill on second reading that would require law enforcement officers to visibly display their name or badge number and agency affiliation while on duty, with limited exceptions. The bill is a response to concerns about officers operating in plainclothes and using unmarked vehicles.

Finally, lawmakers are considering a measure to reimburse cities and towns for public safety costs incurred during major deployments of federal immigration agents.