The transmission of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) from a person who knows or should know they have the disease to another person who is not informed of that fact before engaging in sexual contact with the infected person may result in both civil liability (for money damages) and criminal liability (for penalties).

Laws vary from state to state and some states have both civil and criminal statutes (laws enacted by the state legislature) that specifically address the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. In other states civil lawsuits may be filed and criminal prosecutions may be made under traditional legal theories such as negligence in a civil lawsuit and battery (harmful or offensive physical contact without consent) in a criminal prosecution.

In Vermont, the transmission of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) by an individual who knows or should have known about their infection to an uninformed partner can lead to both civil and criminal consequences. Civilly, an individual may be sued for negligence if they fail to inform their partner of their STD status before engaging in sexual activity. The injured party may seek monetary damages for any harm suffered as a result of the transmission. Criminally, Vermont law (13 V.S.A. § 7101) makes it a misdemeanor for a person to knowingly transmit an STD to another. This can include charges such as battery if the transmission involves harmful or offensive contact without the other person's consent. It is important for individuals to be aware of their health status and to communicate openly with sexual partners to avoid legal repercussions.