Ankle Monitors: Who Pays In California?

In California, electronic monitoring is used as an alternative to imprisonment for low-risk, non-violent offenders. This typically involves the use of an ankle bracelet to monitor an individual's location and adherence to home confinement or house arrest. While electronic monitoring is presented as a solution to prison overcrowding, critics argue that it does not prevent further crime or reduce recidivism rates. Offenders are usually responsible for paying any costs associated with electronic monitoring instruments, which can be significant, with daily fees ranging from $5 to $40. In 2022, California passed legislation expressly prohibiting the use of electronic monitoring fees.

Who pays for an ankle monitor in California?

In California, electronic monitoring is used as an alternative to jail time for certain low-risk, nonviolent offenders, as well as for certain high-risk offenders who are still subject to parole or community supervision. The monitoring is done through an ankle bracelet that people wear to help tell authorities whether or not they are staying inside their homes during certain periods of the day. It is also used to monitor alcohol use and drug use.

In 2022, California passed legislation expressly prohibiting the use of electronic monitoring fees. However, offenders are usually responsible for paying any costs associated with using an electronic monitoring instrument. The cost for setting up electronic monitoring services is typically around $200. The set-up fee for an ankle monitoring system is between $175 and $200. The daily fee for the monitoring device ranges from $5 to $40. The total cost of electronic monitoring can be significant, as some offenders must wear an ankle bracelet for years or even lifetimes.

While the ability to pay is considered when assigning electronic monitoring, people are not generally excluded from the program based exclusively on an inability to pay.

What is the cost of an ankle monitor in California?

In 2022, California passed legislation expressly prohibiting the use of electronic monitoring (EM) fees. This means that, unlike in most states, individuals on EM in California are not required to pay daily, weekly, monthly, or flat fees to be tracked, monitored, and have their liberty curtailed.

However, it is important to note that offenders are generally responsible for paying any costs associated with using an electronic monitoring instrument, although people are not generally excluded from the program based exclusively on an inability to pay. The set-up fee for an ankle monitoring system in California is typically between $175 and $200, with a daily fee ranging from $5 to $40. The total cost of electronic monitoring can be significant, especially for offenders who must wear an ankle bracelet for years or even lifetimes.

Electronic monitoring is typically used as an alternative sentence for low-risk, nonviolent offenders who did not commit a serious, violent, or multiple crimes. It is often used to address the issue of jail overcrowding in California.

What are the conditions for getting an ankle monitor in California?

Ankle monitors, or electronic monitoring devices (EMDs), are often used as an alternative to incarceration in California. EMDs are typically used for home confinement or house arrest programs, allowing authorities to monitor whether an individual is staying inside their home during certain periods.

In California, there are specific conditions that must be met to qualify for an ankle monitor as an alternative to incarceration. These conditions include:

• The individual must be a low-risk, nonviolent offender.
• The sentencing judge does not prohibit the individual's participation in the program.
• The individual's sentence involves serving time in a county jail rather than a state prison.
• The individual has a permanent or temporary residence in or near the county where they were convicted.
• The individual possesses a phone that can be used at their residence.
• The individual agrees to comply with the conditions of house arrest.

Additionally, certain crimes in California require an ankle monitor as part of the sentencing. These include:

• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Minor drug or alcohol offenses
• Nonviolent sex offenses
• Unlawful immigration

It is important to note that individuals convicted of serious crimes such as robbery or most sex offenses are unlikely to be granted house arrest and, therefore, would not be eligible for an ankle monitor.

In terms of cost, California passed legislation in 2022 expressly prohibiting the use of electronic monitoring fees. This means that individuals in California who are placed on EMDs are not required to pay any associated fees, which is different from most other states in the country.

What are the consequences of violating the conditions of an ankle monitor in California?

In California, ankle monitors are often used as an alternative to incarceration, allowing law enforcement to monitor and track an individual's location in real time. While the use of ankle monitors can provide a level of flexibility and freedom for offenders, it is important to understand the consequences of violating the conditions of this monitoring system.

If an individual violates the conditions of their ankle monitor in California, the consequences can vary depending on the nature of the violation and the discretion of the judge handling the case. According to legal sources, the judge has the authority to:

• Disregard the violation: In some cases, the judge may choose to overlook the violation, especially if it is deemed minor or unintentional.
• Impose harsher monitoring conditions: The judge may decide to tighten the restrictions and impose stricter conditions on the individual's monitoring program.
• Revoke the monitoring program and impose incarceration: If the violation is severe or repeated, the judge may revoke the individual's participation in the monitoring program and sentence them to serve their sentence in county jail or state prison.

It is important to note that the specific consequences can vary depending on the circumstances of each case and the discretion of the judge. Additionally, individuals on ankle monitors are typically required to pay daily, weekly, or monthly fees for the monitoring service. Failure to pay these fees can result in extended supervision periods, additional fees, or even jail time.

To avoid any negative repercussions, it is crucial for individuals on ankle monitors to comply with the conditions set by the court and adhere to the restrictions imposed. By understanding the potential consequences, individuals can make informed decisions and take responsibility for their actions during the monitoring period.

What are the benefits of using an ankle monitor over incarceration in California?

Ankle monitors are used as an alternative to traditional imprisonment in California, allowing individuals to serve their sentences while remaining in the community. They are typically used for people on probation or parole, those awaiting trial, or those convicted of a crime but considered low-risk and not a danger to the community.

Benefits of ankle monitors over incarceration

Maintaining connections to the community

Ankle monitors allow individuals to remain in their community rather than serving time in jail. This means they can maintain their jobs, continue their education, and care for their families while serving their sentences. This can make it easier for them to reintegrate into society once their sentences are completed.

Addressing prison overcrowding

The use of ankle monitors as an alternative form of sentencing helps to address the issue of prison overcrowding in California.

Cost savings

Ankle monitors are less expensive than keeping an individual in jail or prison.

Reduced risk of reoffending

Ankle monitors can be particularly useful for tracking individuals who are considered high-risk and at risk of reoffending.

Drawbacks of ankle monitors

While ankle monitors offer several benefits over incarceration, they also come with some drawbacks.

Limitations on movement and activities

Individuals with ankle monitors are subject to strict rules and regulations, including curfew restrictions, random drug testing, and limitations on their movements. Any violation of these rules can result in additional penalties or even incarceration.

Uncomfortable and irritating

Ankle monitors can be uncomfortable to wear and may cause skin irritation.

Financial burden

Offenders are usually responsible for paying any costs associated with using an ankle monitor, which can be a significant financial burden, especially for those who are unemployed or underemployed.

Not a substitute for rehabilitation

Critics argue that ankle monitors do not address the systemic issues that lead to incarceration, such as unemployment, poverty, structural racism, and a lack of community resources. Additionally, there is no empirical evidence that ankle monitors are rehabilitative, and they may even hinder individuals' efforts to get their lives back on track after prison.

Frequently asked questions