Vermont Supreme Court Suspends Law License of Addison County State’s Attorney Eva Vekos
The Vermont Supreme Court has ordered the immediate interim suspension of the law license of Addison County State’s Attorney Eva Vekos. The decision comes as disciplinary proceedings unfold following Vekos’ conviction for driving under the influence (DUI).
In a 4-1 ruling issued on Friday, April 10, 2026, the state’s highest court determined that the circumstances surrounding Vekos’ conviction constitute a “serious crime,” justifying the suspension of her ability to practice law even as her disciplinary case is pending. The ruling favored the request made by Jon Alexander, counsel for the Vermont Professional Responsibility Board.
The DUI Conviction and Sentencing
The legal turmoil stems from an incident on January 25, 2024, in Bridport, Vermont. According to the Attorney General’s Office, Vekos drove to a crime scene to meet with Vermont State Police detectives. Upon arrival, troopers noted that Vekos had slurred speech and emanated an odor of intoxicants. While Vekos admitted to consuming alcohol, she refused to submit to Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and later refused a breath sample on an evidentiary-based test machine.
On December 16, 2025, Judge John Pacht sentenced Vekos to a six-month deferred probationary sentence after she pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol, in violation of 23 V.S.A. § 1201(a)(2). The Attorney General’s Office formally objected to both the no-contest plea and the deferred sentence, arguing that such a sentence failed to account for the serious harm caused by intoxicated driving and that Vekos had not taken full responsibility for her actions.
Court Dissent and Legal Debate
The Vermont Supreme Court’s decision was not unanimous. Justice Christina Nolan issued a dissenting opinion, arguing that a first-time misdemeanor DUI conviction does not meet the specific definition of a “serious crime” as outlined by the Professional Responsibility Program Rules. David Sleigh, the attorney representing Vekos, expressed disappointment in the ruling, describing the immediate suspension as “the cart before the horse,” noting that a formal disciplinary petition had not yet been filed.
Impact on Addison County Legal Operations
The suspension creates a complex operational challenge for the Addison County State’s Attorney’s office. While Vermont law does not strictly require a state’s attorney to hold a law license to remain in office, the suspension limits Vekos to performing only administrative operate. She is currently barred from practicing law.
To maintain the integrity of the county’s legal proceedings, significant shifts in caseload management have already occurred:
- Attorney General Intervention: Last month, the state attorney general’s office assumed control of all major cases from the Addison County office, including child abuse investigations, sexual assaults, and homicides.
- Administrative Support: The Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs is providing administrative assistance and exploring whether traffic resource prosecutors can handle remaining cases.
- Staffing Constraints: The office currently operates with only one deputy prosecutor.
Timothy Lueders-Dumont, the executive director of the Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs, has publicly stated his belief that Vekos should resign from her position.
Key Takeaways
- Ruling: The Vermont Supreme Court suspended Eva Vekos’ law license in a 4-1 vote.
- Cause: A misdemeanor DUI conviction resulting from a January 2024 incident in Bridport.
- Legal Status: Vekos remains State’s Attorney but is limited to administrative duties.
- Case Management: Major criminal cases in Addison County have been transferred to the state attorney general’s office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a State’s Attorney in Vermont need a law license?
No, Vermont law does not require a state’s attorney to possess a law license. However, without one, they cannot practice law and are limited to administrative functions.
What is a deferred probationary sentence?
it is a sentence where the court allows a defendant to serve a period of probation; if successfully completed, it can impact how the offense is viewed in future legal proceedings, though the Attorney General’s office argued this was inappropriate for a DUI offense.
Who is handling the major cases in Addison County?
Major cases, including homicides and sexual assaults, are currently being handled by the state attorney general’s office.