Learning About Criminal Law Cases

If you have been placed on house arrest, you probably want to know how that cumbersome ankle bracelet works. Perhaps you have seen others with the devices around town. With jail overcrowding as a problem for municipalities across the nation, there is an increased need to place less dangerous offenders in at-home confinement.

Do not be confused, the authorities take this sentence seriously. Any violation of the rules will probably lead to a real jail cell. Thus, knowing more about the device that will track your whereabouts is the first stage in getting your life back on track.

Purpose of Ankle Bracelets and Home Confinement

House arrest reduces the cost of inmate placement. Authorities have become much more focused on alleviating taxpayer burdens. Non-violent offenders, especially those under less serious drug charges, are perfect candidates for at-home confinement. Their crimes do not make them an immediate threat to the community.

Others may find themselves required to wear an ankle bracelet. For example, someone under a temporary restraining order (TRO), perhaps for domestic violence, might have to wear a bracelet. The courts will want to know the location of the accused at all times to prevent breach of the injunction. Parolees required to remain within their jurisdiction are also likely candidates for an ankle bracelet.

Radio Transmitters

These ankle devices rely on traditional telephone lines to report the location of the person in question. A radio wave transmitter set up in the home alerts the police when the bracelet is out of a designated range. At that time, the court may issue an arrest warrant.

Global Positioning Systems

Technological innovation has reached law enforcement. Global Positioning System (GPS) ankle bracelets allow criminal defendants much more mobility than possible with radio wave transmitters. Users must carry a device, usually a mobile phone, that records their location at all times via GPS technology.

This advancement makes it more possible for non-violent convicted criminals to hold down jobs, attend religious ceremonies and visit family. However, some believe the GPS bracelets too costly for poor defendants to afford.

Consult a Criminal Defense Lawyer

It is important for you to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer, like those at Kalasnik Law Office, if the court places you under house arrest. This legal representative will be able to read through the terms of the confinement to ensure you can comply. The last thing you want to do is violate a house arrest sentence and wind up behind bars.