Full question:
I had a game warden issue me a ticket for baiting deer and he informed me someone had signed a affidavit so he had a search warrant from a judge to go on my property , how do I find out who the person is that turned me in?
- Category: Discovery
- Date:
- State: Vermont
Answer:
The ability to find out who reported you depends on the nature of the charges. If you face a criminal violation, the informant's identity is typically protected from disclosure. However, if the charge is a civil offense, you may be able to request this information through the discovery process by filing requests for production or interrogatories.
According to Vermont's criminal discovery rules, the prosecuting attorney must disclose the names and addresses of witnesses, including any relevant statements they made, upon request from the defendant. This obligation extends to material that could help prepare your defense (Vt. R. Crim. P. 16).
However, the identity of informants is generally protected unless certain conditions are met, such as if the informant voluntarily discloses their identity or testifies as a witness (Vt. R. Evid. 509). If you believe the informant may provide relevant testimony, you can request the court to review the situation, which may lead to the informant's identity being disclosed.
For further assistance, consider consulting a legal professional who can guide you through the process.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.