Ankle Monitor Malfunctions: What To Expect When It Goes Off

Ankle monitors are typically used as a condition of probation or pretrial release. They are meant to ensure that individuals adhere to the terms of their release, such as staying within a certain geographical area or maintaining a specific schedule. If an ankle monitor is broken or tampered with, it could result in legal consequences for the wearer, including potential revocation of release and incarceration. In one instance, a person on pretrial accidentally broke the strap on their ankle monitor and was advised by others to lie about how it broke to avoid self-incrimination. This demonstrates the potential repercussions of ankle monitor malfunctions and the importance of adhering to the conditions of release.

What to do if your ankle monitor breaks accidentally

If your ankle monitor breaks accidentally, it is important to take the following steps to address the situation:

First, remain calm. Accidents happen, and it is essential to handle the situation in a composed manner.

Second, contact the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. In this case, the individual called the sheriff's office to report the incident. It is advisable to have a record of your attempt to resolve the issue promptly.

Third, be honest and cooperative. While explaining how the ankle monitor broke, it is best to be truthful and not attempt to hide any details. Provide a clear and concise explanation of what occurred.

Fourth, be prepared for potential consequences. There may be additional requirements, such as drug testing or meetings with relevant authorities, to address the issue. Ensure that you follow any instructions provided by the authorities handling your case.

Fifth, seek guidance if needed. If you have been assigned a probation or parole officer, they can provide specific advice and support tailored to your situation. They can help you navigate any challenges that may arise due to the accidental breakage.

Finally, take preventive measures for the future. Ensure that you are careful in your actions and movements to avoid any further issues with the ankle monitor. Regularly inspect the monitor to ensure that all parts, including the strap and screws, are secure and properly functioning.

What to tell the police if your ankle monitor breaks

If your ankle monitor breaks, you should immediately contact the police and explain the situation. Here are some key points to include in your explanation:

• First and foremost, emphasize that the ankle monitor is broken and that you have not attempted to remove, tamper with, or damage it in any way.
• Provide details about the issue, such as any unusual vibrations, beeping, or other signs that indicated a problem.
• Inform them of your current location and assure them that you have not intentionally left the designated area.
• If possible, describe any recent activities that may have contributed to the breakage, such as accidental impact or exposure to water.
• Express your willingness to cooperate and request guidance on the next steps, including any necessary repairs or a replacement ankle monitor.

Remember, honesty and cooperation are crucial when communicating with the police about a broken ankle monitor. By providing clear and accurate information, you can help resolve the issue promptly and avoid potential complications or misunderstandings.

Whether you will have to take a drug test

Whether or not you will have to take a drug test when your ankle monitor goes off depends on the requirements of the judge overseeing your case. Drug testing usually comes before ankle monitoring, so it is likely that you will be drug tested while wearing an ankle monitor.

The type of drug test administered can vary. When visiting the probation department, it is usually a urine test, but they can also request blood or hair follicle tests. Blood and hair follicle tests can detect drug use for up to 6 months, so these tests do not need to be spontaneous. You will typically be informed in advance if you are going to be tested for drugs via these methods.

There are also different types of ankle monitors with varying capabilities. The BI TAD ankle bracelet, for example, does not detect cocaine use but does detect alcohol use. On the other hand, the SCRAM bracelet detects both drugs and alcohol. It is important to be aware of the specific model you are wearing and its capabilities.

If you fail a drug test while on bond, it could result in the revocation of your bond and possible sentencing for the charged offense.

Excuses for why your ankle monitor broke

If your ankle monitor breaks, it is important to act quickly and contact the relevant authorities. Here are some potential excuses you could use to explain why your ankle monitor broke:

• "I was getting out of the car and my ankle monitor accidentally clipped the car door, causing it to break."
• "I was walking up the stairs and tripped. As I was falling, my ankle monitor got stuck on one of the steps, and the force of the fall caused it to break."
• "I was getting up from the deck chair in the backyard, and my ankle monitor got caught on the deck. When I stood up, the strap broke."
• "I was getting into bed and my ankle monitor got caught on the sheet. When I moved my leg, the strap broke."
• "I was scratching an itch under the strap, and when I adjusted it, the strap suddenly snapped."

Remember, it is always best to be honest and cooperative with the monitoring company and your legal counsel. Provide as many details as possible about the incident and follow their instructions on the next steps.

Who to contact if your ankle monitor breaks

If your ankle monitor breaks, it is important to take immediate action and contact the relevant authorities. Here is a step-by-step guide on who to contact:

Contact Law Enforcement or the Monitoring Authority:

Start by contacting the law enforcement agency or the community control officer monitoring your ankle bracelet. Explain the situation and let them know that your ankle monitor is broken. Provide as many details as possible, including the time it occurred and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Report to Your Probation or Parole Officer:

If you are on probation or parole, get in touch with your assigned officer as soon as possible. They will need to be informed of the situation and may provide you with specific instructions on how to proceed. Follow their directions carefully to ensure compliance with the terms of your probation or parole.

Consult a Criminal Defense Attorney:

Consider seeking legal advice from a criminal defense attorney, especially if you are unsure of your rights or concerned about potential consequences. They can guide you through the legal process, explain your options, and help protect your interests.

Contact Alternative Sentencing or the Court:

In some cases, you may need to contact alternative sentencing or the court directly, especially if the issue occurs outside regular business hours. They can advise you on the next steps and provide guidance on repairing or replacing the ankle monitor.

Remember, it is crucial to act promptly and cooperate fully with the relevant authorities. Ankle monitors are typically used as a substitute for harsher penalties, and any attempt to damage or remove them intentionally can result in serious consequences, including arrest and further legal repercussions.

Frequently asked questions