The Vermont Superior Court has ruled against Jeffrey Rivard in a case concerning his probation violations. The court dismissed Rivard's complaint for a declaratory judgment, stating that the matter should be handled in the Criminal Division, where his probation is being supervised. This ruling affects Rivard, who is currently facing multiple probation violation complaints, and emphasizes the importance of following proper legal channels.

The case, titled Rivard v. State of Vermont, was filed on November 2, 2026, under docket number 26-CV-03860. Rivard sought judicial clarification regarding the legality of his probation conditions and the pending violations against him. The court's decision highlights the ongoing legal struggles Rivard faces as he attempts to navigate his probationary status.

Background

Jeffrey Rivard has a history of legal issues, including a conviction for domestic assault in November 2019. Following this conviction, he was sentenced to probation with specific conditions. However, Rivard has faced several probation violation complaints since his sentencing, leading to a complex legal situation.

Rivard's legal troubles began when he was charged with domestic assault, resulting in a guilty verdict and a suspended sentence of six to twelve months. He was placed on probation for two years, during which he has faced multiple allegations of violating probation conditions. These include complaints filed by the Brattleboro Police Department for disorderly conduct and unlawful trespass, which have complicated his legal standing.

In his recent complaint, Rivard argued that the enforcement of his probation conditions was unconstitutional and sought a declaration from the court to terminate these conditions. He claimed that he was being subjected to unlawful restrictions, including a no-trespass order that he believed was void.

The Ruling

The Vermont Superior Court ruled on Rivard's motion to dismiss, emphasizing that the appropriate forum for his claims is the Criminal Division, where his probation violation complaints are being handled. The court stated, "The appropriate forum for Plaintiff to obtain the relief he seeks regarding his probation supervision and the pending probation violation complaints is in the Criminal Division."

The ruling granted the defendants' motion to dismiss Rivard's complaint in part, specifically dismissing Count II of the First Amended Complaint. The court noted that Rivard's attempts to circumvent the established legal processes were not valid and that he must pursue his claims within the context of the ongoing criminal proceedings.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for Rivard as it reinforces the boundaries of legal jurisdiction in his case. By affirming that the Criminal Division holds jurisdiction over his probation matters, the court has limited Rivard's options for challenging the conditions of his probation outside of that forum.

The decision also serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to court orders and the potential consequences of disregarding legal protocols. Rivard's ongoing legal challenges may continue to complicate his situation, as he has previously faced restrictions on filing pro se motions while represented by counsel.

What's Next

Rivard's case is not over, as he still faces the pending probation violation complaints in the Criminal Division. The court has scheduled a merits hearing for these violations, which will determine the outcome of his probation status. Additionally, Rivard has the option to appeal the court's decision, although it remains to be seen whether he will pursue that route.