These judges may hear Superior, District or Family Court cases. Trial Court law clerks perform the legal research necessary to help judges reach well-informed decisions. Superior Court Clerks and their staff are responsible for the daily operations of the Court. Each of Vermont's 14 counties has a District Court. Felonies are crimes, such as armed robbery, murder or sexual assault, for which a person could be jailed for two or more years if convicted.
Some defendants hire an attorney to act on their behalf in court while others represent themselves.
The Constitution guarantees defendants the right to have a jury determine whether they are guilty. Regardless of who makes the decision, the state's attorney must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of committing the crime. Once guilt has been established, the judge determines an appropriate punishment. Not all criminal charges result in a trial. The judge may dismiss a charge because there is not enough evidence to justify prosecuting the case.