12 V.S.A. § ___ § 4916
Verdict of guilty, restitution ordered when; fine
Operative Text
When the jury finds the person against whom the complaint is made guilty of such forcible entry or detainer, the district judge shall enter up judgment for the complainant to have restitution of the premises, and impose such fine, not exceeding $10.00, as he or she thinks just. The judge shall tax costs for the complainant, and may commit the person against whom the judgment is rendered until the fine and costs are paid, and shall also award his or her writ of restitution. (Amended 1973, No. 249 (Adj. Sess.), § 34, eff. April 9, 1974.)
Under 12 V.S.A. ch. 171 § 4916, when a jury finds a person guilty of forcible entry or detainer, the district judge is required to enter a judgment restoring possession of the premises to the complainant, impose a fine of up to $10.00, award court costs to the complainant, and issue a writ of restitution. The judge also has the authority to hold the convicted person in custody until the fine and costs are paid. This provision establishes the full range of remedies available to a prevailing complainant following a guilty verdict in a forcible entry or detainer proceeding.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 12 V.S.A. ch. 171 § 4916, a property owner who successfully pursues a forcible entry or detainer complaint and obtains a guilty verdict is entitled to a court judgment restoring possession of the premises, along with a writ of restitution that directs the return of the property. Compliant operators pursuing this remedy generally document the unlawful entry or detainer thoroughly and follow the procedural requirements of Vermont's district court process. The provision also allows the court to tax costs in favor of the complainant, which can help offset some of the expenses associated with bringing the action.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
If a jury returns a guilty verdict against a person under 12 V.S.A. ch. 171 § 4916, that person faces a court-ordered loss of possession of the premises, a fine of up to $10.00, court costs, and potentially being held in custody until those amounts are paid. Tenants or occupants who believe a forcible entry or detainer complaint has been filed against them improperly may have grounds to contest the matter before the jury reaches a verdict. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service familiar with Vermont housing law can help a person understand the procedural options available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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