Parole Ankle Monitor: How Long Is Too Long?

Ankle monitors are used as a way to track a person's location and movements, and are often used as an alternative to incarceration. They are typically worn by people on house arrest, probation, or parole, and are used to address prison overcrowding. Ankle monitors are usually worn 24/7 and send GPS coordinates to a monitoring agency or parole officer. The cost of ankle monitors can be a burden, with fees ranging from $3 to $35 per day, plus setup charges. While ankle monitors offer less restriction than incarceration, they still impose rules and restrictions on the wearer, such as curfews and limitations on movement.

Ankle monitor costs

The cost of an ankle monitor can vary depending on the state or county and the specific terms of an individual's case. In the United States, the person wearing the monitor is typically responsible for covering the costs associated with the device, including installation and monitoring fees. These costs can be a significant financial burden, with setup fees ranging from $100 to $200 and daily monitoring fees ranging from $3 to $40. Over time, these fees can amount to hundreds of dollars per month.

In Florida, for example, the person wearing the monitor is required to pay for the monitoring services, including installation and monthly charges. The costs can vary, but it generally involves hundreds of dollars for installation and hundreds of dollars per month for monitoring. If the ankle monitor is also used for alcohol monitoring, such as with a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) bracelet, the costs can be even higher.

Similarly, in California, offenders are typically responsible for paying any costs associated with electronic monitoring instruments. The setup fee for an ankle monitoring system in California typically ranges from $175 to $200, with daily fees ranging from $5 to $40. As with other states, these costs can add up quickly, especially for individuals who are required to wear the monitor for extended periods.

The high costs associated with ankle monitors have sparked debates about the fairness of passing these expenses on to individuals who are often already facing financial challenges. Some argue that the costs of monitoring should be covered by society or included as part of the penalty for committing a crime. However, others believe that the individual being monitored should bear the cost as part of their sentence or have the option to choose incarceration instead.

Who is eligible for GPS monitoring?

Eligibility for GPS monitoring depends on the nature of the crime committed and the jurisdiction in which the crime took place.

In Texas, for example, those who have committed certain violent crimes are not eligible for home confinement. However, most decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Generally, you are more likely to be approved for GPS monitoring if you meet the following criteria:

• You are a juvenile offender.
• Your crime did not involve violence.
• You are a first-time offender.
• You do not have a long history of offences.
• You have a secure and stable job.
• You are vulnerable to abuse in prison.
• You are physically ill or incapacitated.

In California, eligibility for electronic monitoring depends on the nature of the crime charged. Alternative sentencing is usually limited to low-risk offenders who did not commit a crime that results in a state prison term. People can usually obtain electronic monitoring if they:

• Are sentenced to county jail (as opposed to state prison).
• Are non-violent offenders.
• Have a home in or near the county where they are sentenced.
• Have a home telephone.
• Agree to adhere to all the rules of supervised electronic confinement.

In California, GPS monitoring is used for high-risk gang offenders and special circumstance cases. It is also used to monitor offenders who are at high risk of re-offending and where knowledge of their whereabouts is a high priority for maintaining public safety.

What are the restrictions?

Ankle monitors are used as an alternative to incarceration, allowing inmates to continue having jobs and relationships. However, this comes with several restrictions.

Firstly, you must wear the ankle bracelet at all times. The GPS coordinates are sent to your parole officer, and if you leave a specific geographic area, an alert will be triggered. You will need permission to leave your home, and you will have a curfew. The authorities will be alerted if you attempt to tamper with or remove the device.

You may be given permission to leave your home to travel to and from a treatment or rehabilitation centre, or to a community service location. Outside of these parameters, your movements are restricted. You may be subject to random drug or alcohol tests, and you will need to stay clean for the duration of your probation period.

In addition, you will likely need to check in with your parole officer periodically, and they may call you or check your location at certain points during the day.

Removal of ankle monitor

Ankle monitors are typically worn by those on house arrest, probation, or parole, and they cannot be removed until the court-approved date. Removing an ankle monitor before this date is illegal and will result in a signal being sent to the relevant law enforcement agency or agencies. In Florida, for example, removing a court-ordered GPS monitor is a third-degree felony.

If you are currently wearing an ankle monitor and wish to have it removed, your criminal defense attorney may be able to file a motion to remove mandated electronic monitoring. This is more likely to be successful if done in the pre-trial phase and for those without a criminal history.

If you are a minor who has removed their ankle monitor, you may still be held responsible for it as an adult. It is advised that you seek legal counsel to understand your options and the potential consequences.

Ankle monitor rules

Ankle monitors are used as a way to track an individual's location and are often used as a substitute for harsher penalties such as incarceration. They are typically worn by defendants on house arrest, probation, or parole. Ankle monitors work at timed intervals, sending a signal containing an individual's location and other information to a receiver.

• The individual must keep a job.
• The individual must stay in compliance with all conditions of supervision.
• The individual must pay all court fees.
• The individual must meet with their probation or parole officer at scheduled times.
• The individual must abstain from drugs and alcohol.
• The individual must not attempt to damage or remove the device.

In addition to these general rules, a judge, probation or parole officer may set a range that determines how far the individual can move. If the individual moves outside of this range, the ankle monitor will transmit a signal to the appointed officer. The court may also restrict the individual from frequenting certain places or associating with certain people.

It is important for individuals ordered to wear an ankle monitor to fully understand the specific requirements and rules of their monitor, as they may vary on a case-by-case basis.

Frequently asked questions