Vermont § 5234 - Notice of rights; representation provided

Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 5234 — Notice of rights; representation provided, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5234. Notice of rights; representation provided

  • (a) If a person who is being detained by a law enforcement officer without charge or judicial
    process, or who is charged with having committed or is being detained under a conviction
    of a serious crime, is not represented by an attorney under conditions in which a
    person having his or her own counsel would be entitled to be so represented, the law
    enforcement officer, magistrate, or court concerned shall: (1) Clearly inform him or her of the right of a person to be represented by an attorney
    and of a needy person to be represented at public expense; and (2) If the person detained or charged does not have an attorney and does not knowingly,
    voluntarily and intelligently waive his or her right to have an attorney when detained
    or charged, notify the appropriate public defender that he or she is not so represented.
    This shall be done upon commencement of detention, formal charge, or post-conviction
    proceeding, as the case may be. As used in this subsection, the term “commencement
    of detention” includes the taking into custody of a probationer or parolee. (b) Upon commencement of any later judicial proceeding relating to the same matter, the
    presiding officer shall clearly inform the person so detained or charged of the right
    of a needy person to be represented by an attorney at public expense. (c) Information given to a person by a law enforcement officer under this section is effective
    only if it is communicated to a person in a manner meeting standards under the constitution
    of the United States relating to admissibility in evidence against him or her of statements
    of a detained person. (d) Information meeting the standards of subsection (c) of this section and given to a
    person by a law enforcement officer under this section gives rise to a rebuttable
    presumption that the information was effectively communicated if: (1) It is in writing or otherwise recorded; (2) The recipient records his or her acknowledgment of receipt and time of receipt of
    the information; and (3) The material so recorded under subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection is filed
    with the court next concerned. (Added 1971, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. date, see note; amended 1973, No. 109, § 8, eff. 30 days from April 25, 1973.)

Source: official Vermont text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 5234

What does Vermont Statutes Online § 5234 cover?

Section 5234 ("Notice of rights; representation provided") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Vermont § 5234?

A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 5234" (Vermont). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Vermont law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.

How does Vermont § 5234 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.