Ankle Monitor Battery Death: What's The Verdict?

what happens if a gps ankle monitor died

GPS ankle monitors are often used as a last-chance effort to keep individuals out of custody. While the equipment does malfunction, the onus is on the wearer to keep it charged and be aware of any issues. If the battery dies, the wearer should report it immediately and address the problem. Failure to do so may result in a warrant being issued and new charges being brought, as seen in the case of Clifton Grier, who was re-arrested by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police after he allowed his monitor to die.

Characteristics Values
What to do if the GPS ankle monitor dies Report it and address it as soon as possible. Contact your attorney and seek advice concerning your particular court and PO.
Responsibility It is the wearer's responsibility to keep the GPS ankle monitor charged and to be aware of any issues.
Equipment malfunction Equipment malfunction is a frequent occurrence. Without proof that the equipment broke down, the wearer will only be given the benefit of the doubt depending on their track record and compliance with previous conditions.
Violation Usually, ELMO will report a violation immediately and a warrant will then be issued.
Consequences If the wearer is unable to provide proof of equipment malfunction, they may face new charges and be re-arrested.

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Police response to a dead ankle monitor

For example, in Charlotte, North Carolina, police re-arrested Clifton Grier more than a week after his electronic monitor died. Grier, who was originally charged with robbery and theft, now also faces charges of resisting an officer. In another case, a teen in Charlotte was charged with raping and robbing a woman just days after his ankle monitor battery died.

It is important to note that dead batteries are not as common as ankle monitor cuts, but they are still a concern for law enforcement. In some cases, the police will try to get the person's attention if their battery is running low, sometimes even visiting them in person. However, if the person does not take the issue seriously, the police will begin searching for them immediately.

To avoid any legal repercussions, it is essential for individuals to keep their ankle monitors charged and to report any issues or malfunctions to their probation officer or relevant authority as soon as possible. Seeking legal advice from an attorney is also recommended.

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Repercussions of a dead ankle monitor

If the battery of your GPS ankle monitor dies, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. While it is a frequent occurrence for monitoring equipment to malfunction, the onus is on you to keep the device charged and be aware of any issues. Contact your attorney and seek advice specific to your situation, as you may need to report the incident to your probation officer or the court. In some cases, a dead ankle monitor could result in a violation and the issuance of a warrant for your arrest.

It is crucial to take responsibility for keeping the device charged as required, as a GPS ankle monitor is often a last-chance effort to keep you out of custody. Failure to do so could result in negative consequences, such as being considered a flight risk or non-compliant with the conditions of your release or probation. Judges and law enforcement officials may view a dead ankle monitor as an intentional attempt to evade monitoring, which could lead to further legal repercussions.

To avoid such repercussions, it is advisable to maintain regular contact with your probation officer and comply with all other requirements of your release or probation. Being proactive and communicative can demonstrate your commitment to fulfilling your obligations. Additionally, having a witness to confirm your whereabouts during the period when your ankle monitor was non-functional can be helpful.

In certain cases, individuals who have let their ankle monitor batteries die have faced new charges or been re-arrested. For example, Clifton Grier was re-arrested and charged with resisting an officer after his electronic monitor died. Similarly, a teenager was charged with raping and robbing a woman just days after his ankle monitor battery died. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize keeping your ankle monitor charged to avoid any potential legal consequences.

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Responsibility for charging an ankle monitor

If you are required to wear an ankle monitor as part of your sentence or order, it is your responsibility to ensure that the device remains charged. The ankle monitor combines Radio Frequency (RF) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology into one device. This allows authorities to track your movements and ensure compliance with any court-ordered restrictions or curfews.

Charging the ankle monitor is a daily task that must be completed to maintain its functionality. The device comes with a cordless charger, providing convenience and flexibility during the charging process. This means you can charge the device without being restricted to staying close to a power socket.

To charge the device, simply attach the cordless charger to the base of the tracker. A full charge typically takes around two hours. The "Power" light on the charger will indicate when the battery is fully charged, turning from red to green. It is important to be vigilant and responsive to low battery notifications. The tracker will vibrate when the battery level is low, alerting you to the need to charge the device immediately.

Failing to maintain the charge of your ankle monitor may result in consequences, as it could be interpreted as a violation of the terms of your sentence or order. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize charging the device daily to avoid any potential legal repercussions.

In addition to charging, you must also take care of the electronic monitoring equipment. This includes following specific guidelines, such as not exposing the equipment to water, heat, or cold, and not tampering with or damaging the device in any way. By adhering to these responsibilities, you can ensure that your ankle monitor functions properly and that you remain in compliance with the conditions of your sentence or order.

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Ankle monitor malfunction

Reporting the Malfunction

Firstly, if you experience an ankle monitor malfunction, it is crucial to report it to the relevant authorities as soon as possible. Contact your probation officer or monitoring agency and inform them of the issue. They will be able to provide specific instructions and guidance on how to proceed. It is important to remain calm and cooperative throughout the process.

Charging and Maintenance

In some cases, an ankle monitor malfunction may be due to a simple issue such as a dead battery. It is the wearer's responsibility to ensure that the device is adequately charged and maintained. Make sure to follow the charging instructions provided to you and allocate sufficient time for charging the device each day. Regularly inspect the device for any signs of damage or malfunction and report any issues immediately.

Compliance and Track Record

The consequences of an ankle monitor malfunction can vary depending on your track record and level of compliance with the conditions of your release or probation. If you have a history of complying with the requirements and no previous issues, you may be given the benefit of the doubt. However, if there have been previous instances of non-compliance or other violations, the malfunction may be viewed more seriously.

Legal Consultation

Seeking legal advice is highly recommended in the event of an ankle monitor malfunction. Consult a competent attorney who can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation. They can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and represent you if any legal proceedings or hearings arise as a result of the malfunction.

Equipment Malfunction Evidence

It is important to note that equipment malfunctions are not uncommon. If you believe the ankle monitor malfunctioned due to a technical fault, it may be possible to provide evidence to support your claim. However, without proof that the equipment broke down or malfunctioned, it may be challenging to defend yourself against any potential violations or consequences.

In summary, an ankle monitor malfunction should be treated as a serious and time-sensitive matter. By taking prompt action, maintaining compliance, and seeking legal advice, you can help mitigate the potential impact on your case or probationary period. Remember that each situation is unique, and the specific consequences can vary depending on various factors and the discretion of the judicial system.

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Ankle monitor battery life

Ankle monitors are electronic devices that are typically used to track an individual's whereabouts and ensure they adhere to a curfew. While the exact battery life of these devices may vary depending on usage and other factors, it is important to ensure that they remain charged to avoid any potential issues.

According to Major Nelson Bowling of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), defendants are required to charge their ankle monitor batteries for two hours every night. If the battery level runs low, the CMPD will attempt to notify the defendant, sometimes even visiting them in person. In most cases, a simple phone call is made to alert the defendant that their battery is dying and needs to be charged.

In one instance, a person with an ankle monitor forgot their charger at a friend's house. The local police were contacted, and they mentioned that the battery would likely die before morning. This situation caused concern as leaving the house to retrieve the charger could potentially set off an alarm and notify the police, leading to possible consequences for the defendant.

To avoid such situations, it is essential for individuals with ankle monitors to maintain their battery charge and keep their chargers with them at all times. While the exact battery life may vary, taking proactive measures to ensure the device is charged can help prevent unintended violations or alarms.

Frequently asked questions

If a GPS ankle monitor loses power and dies, the authorities will be alerted and the individual wearing the device will likely be re-arrested.

The authorities will try to get in touch with the individual, sometimes even visiting them in person.

The individual will be immediately considered a fugitive and the police will begin searching for them.

The individual will likely face new charges, such as resisting an officer, in addition to their original charges.

In some cases, people may forget to charge their device as required. However, in other instances, it may be a deliberate attempt to escape monitoring.

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