Vermont good time and sentence credit rules
Since 2021, Vermont gives 7 days off both the minimum and maximum sentence for each month without a major disciplinary violation.[1]
Sources last checked Oct 16, 2026, 8:21 AM MT. This explains current law. It does not calculate anyone's date.
Credit types and rates
- 7 days per month off the minimum and maximum sentence, if there was no major disciplinary violation and no return to custody for a release-condition violation.[1]
- Residential substance-use treatment: 1 day off for each day of treatment.[1]
- Available to sentenced people, including those on furlough.[1]
Exclusions and limits
- Not available to people on probation or parole, people eligible under §811, interrupted sentences, or life without parole.[1]
- People serving a sentence for a disqualifying offense (such as murder or voluntary manslaughter, under §818(c)) on Jan 1, 2021 cannot earn more. For sentences that started later, check DOC rules. We are not sure how the rule applies to them.[1]
Parole eligibility vs. discharge
- Earned time reduces both the minimum (which affects parole and furlough eligibility) and the maximum (which affects discharge).[1]
How to find a release date
- Search the official Vermont VINELink offender search by name or ID number.
- Look for the projected release, parole eligibility, or discharge date. The DOC record already includes credits it has awarded.
- For questions, contact the facility records office. Only DOC can correct a date.
New laws and bills
Not yet verified We have not yet verified whether sentence-credit legislation is active here. (tracker checked Oct 16, 2026)
FAQ
How much earned time do you get in Vermont?
7 days per month off both the minimum and maximum sentence, if there is no major disciplinary violation (28 V.S.A. §818).
Who is excluded in Vermont?
Life without parole, interrupted sentences, people on probation or parole, and disqualifying offenses as defined in §818(c).
What this site can't do
| Issue | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Discipline and lost credits | We cannot see write-ups, forfeitures or restored credits. Only the facility record shows them. |
| Detainers and holds | Warrants, immigration holds or other-state detainers can block release. They are not in public data. |
| Consecutive and concurrent sentences | How sentences stack changes every date. We do not recompute aggregated sentences. |
| Parole board discretion | Eligibility is not release. Boards decide, and can deny or defer. |
| Jail credit errors | Pretrial credit is set by the court. Errors must be fixed through the court or records office. |
| Recent law changes | New laws, court rulings and DOC policy changes can take weeks to reach records. |
| Individual legal advice | We explain public rules. A lawyer or the DOC records office can apply them to one case. |
Always confirm dates with the official DOC records office.
Sources
Official statute, regulation, or agency pages only. Last checked Oct 16, 2026, 8:21 AM MT. Spotted an error? Tell us.
All 50 states + DC · Federal (First Step Act) · Paroling to another state (Interstate Compact)
Sources: 28 V.S.A. §818 (earned time) · Last verified: · Corrections