Following an arrest, a few restrictions on getting a person’s freedom can exist. Even though a judge can release him on bail following an arrest, he might need to wear a GPS-enabled ankle monitor to trace his whereabouts while he is at liberty.
Judges frequently impose ankle monitors as an alternative to prison or jail terms. They are most commonly applied during probation or pre-trial requirements, releasing the offender with either local travel limits or home confinement.
What are ankle monitors?
A bracelet-like device worn around the ankle that sends data about its wearer to a remote monitoring facility is an ankle monitor. The radio transmission or GPS technology transmits information about the offender to allow for ongoing monitoring. The wearer’s alcohol consumption may also get measured as part of a penalty for an alcohol-related infraction.
An ankle bracelet, an in-person receiver, and a distant receiver are the typical components of an ankle monitor system. The bracelet device, connected to the ankle, continuously or routinely reads needed information, such as the user’s location. The readings are transmitted to a distant receiver at a police station or monitoring service center.
The appropriate authorities are informed and take the appropriate action if the readings point to a breach by the user, such as leaving the house while under house arrest.
An ankle monitor is often locked into position to provide continuous and precise monitoring. Some devices include built-in sensors alert authorities if someone tries to remove them or tamper with how they work.
Some research indicates that wearing one of these monitors may not be as helpful as other rehabilitation programs in deterring the wearer from committing new offenses.
The measuring of alcohol consumption is another common purpose for the ankle monitor. In this instance, the machine analyzes the perspiration to see if alcohol is present. This monitor is typically employed because the wearer has engaged in a significant alcohol-related infraction, like driving while intoxicated. An ankle monitor that forbids alcohol consumption for a set amount of time may be used as a punishment or aid in recovery.
Ankle monitors: How do they work?
Alternatives to traditional detention include ankle monitors. Jails are frequently overcrowded and unable to accept any more inmates. Some people can get punished without being in prison owing to ankle monitors. People who qualify for house arrest are the ones who have committed less serious or violent offenses. This release may be conditional on wearing an ankle bracelet. Parole authorities occasionally use ankle monitors on their parolees.
Ankle monitors function by informing surveillance authorities of the wearer’s whereabouts and/or alcohol intake. When a judge orders someone to wear an ankle monitor, the judge will typically calibrate the device to limit the wearer to a designated geographic area or a certain amount of alcohol intake. Depending on how it is configured, the monitor alerts law enforcement or monitoring agents if:
- wearer departs the specified region;
- wearer tries to take it off, tamper with it, or cover it;
- wearer approaches the forbidden area
- the device detects alcohol
- wearer deviates from a predetermined schedule or places
- systemic problems persist
Most monitors transmit some geographic data—some detect and relay several items. In contrast, some models are more accurate than others; some record data at predetermined times and others broadcast data continuously.
How do ankle monitors impact your bail?
The ankle monitor could serve many purposes in a case, including bail. Let’s see how using an ankle monitor may affect your bail.
Reduced Bail
Collecting money to contribute to the bond could be one of the most challenging aspects of an arrest. Even if a person engages with a bail bond provider, the service charge could still be hundreds or thousands of dollars. For instance, if a bail bond company imposes a 10% fee, a bail amount of $10,000 would still require a non-refundable payment of $1,000.
Accepting an ankle monitor is one way to reduce any person’s bail. An ankle monitor will guarantee that he stays in the designated area and create a monitored environment for the length of his court hearing.
In addition to a bail bond company’s representation, a lawyer may assist in negotiating with the judge for a reduced fee. The person must get in touch with a firm to install the monitor. The whole expense is usually far lower than the total bail amount or bail service fee. He will typically pay an installation fee and a daily monitor fee. However, costs might vary. For instance, if the judge reduces his bail from $5,000 to $2,500 and he agrees to wear an ankle monitor, he will probably owe a bail bond business $250 if they charge a 10% fee.
Before the entire cost of the GPS daily costs approached the amount of the reduced bail, it frequently took months. The costs and quantities of bail vary, but a bail bond firm can assist any person in calculating.
Cases of flight risk
If a person poses a flight risk, a court might occasionally decide to reject his bail request. For instance, he can be viewed as a flight risk if he gets arrested in a state other than where he currently resides.
An attorney may suggest setting a conditional bail amount that includes an ankle monitor for the case period to help avoid the flight risk status resulting from a long jail sentence. The attorney will help reassure a court that he does not represent a flight danger with 24-hour GPS tracking and may get bail.
An ankle monitor not only gives the legal system comfort, but the idea of the GPS monitor is frequently more appealing to bail bond companies.
Daily Habits
A person’s wages could be lost if he gets imprisoned for a longer period. He can soon return to work and earn money to cover bail bond expenses and the GPS fees if he wears an ankle monitor.
He may not incur additional expenses if he decides to remain in jail, but he also won’t be earning additional money. He will have additional revenue along the process to help him pay off debt, buy groceries, and get back to his regular routines—even if a significant portion of his income is used to cover bond costs or ankle monitor expenses.
The monitor providers will be aware of his workplace and work schedule once installed, ensuring that the monitor does not detect misbehavior when he arrives at work. A bail bond firm provides the possibility to post bail promptly, allowing him to lose as little time as possible at work and preventing job loss.
Conclusion
The overcrowding in jails and prisons is no secret, and prison can occasionally seem like a punishment that is more severe than the offense. GPS ankle monitor use linked with house arrest can be a suitable alternative if a criminal needs a less severe sentence or behaves well while confined.
The GPS ankle monitor is installed when a person is under home arrest. The court’s specifications for the sentencing calibrate the ankle monitor. The GPS ankle monitor will track the offender using this information and notify the appropriate authorities if he/she breaks any rules.
The ankle monitor malfunctions if the offender tries to take the monitor from the wall, and the authorities receive an alert due to this malfunction. So, an ankle monitor is an excellent alternative to keep a watch on the offenders on bail bonds.
FAQs
What occurs if a person takes an ankle monitor off?
If a person is guilty of a third-degree felony for tampering or removing an ankle bracelet, he might face a maximum sentence of five years in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000.
With an ankle monitor, is a person able to leave the house?
A person will still need to wear an ankle monitor, and he will only be allowed to leave his house during certain hours. If the monitor detects that he has left his home at an unapproved or prohibited time, the police will be called, and they will come and take him up.
Are microphones present in all ankle monitors?
Ankle monitors do not yet include microphones, and they mostly run on GPS and are only utilized to display your location.
Who wears ankle bracelets?
While under house arrest, parole, or probation, criminal defendants wear ankle bracelets, sometimes known as monitors. They may be put on before or after a defendant faces a criminal trial.
