Nobody looks forward to spending time behind bars. If a court allows you to post bail, you’ll likely seek a way to do it quickly to secure your release. The bond system works as a guarantee and ensures a defendant appears for their day in court. Depending on the situation, ankle monitors are sometimes used to allow you to remain free while awaiting trial, provided you meet certain conditions set forth by the court.
This might make you question: why would someone have to wear an ankle monitor? What types of crimes warrant this kind of device?
Yes, it may feel a bit restrictive, but understanding the ins and outs of a GPS ankle monitor can alleviate much of this anxiety. So, how does it function? What rules do you need to follow? And can it be worn without causing too much discomfort?
The terms and conditions can vary depending on your situation. They might range from sticking to a specific area, avoiding certain people, or adhering to a curfew. And let’s not forget the more daring thoughts like what if you attempt to remove the ankle monitor? Or what happens if it stops working properly?
In this article, we will tackle these questions head-on. Keep reading for everything you to know about bail bonds ankle bracelets.
At Connecticut Bail Bonds Group, we specialize in offering bail bond services to defendants facing various offenses.
The Justification for an Ankle GPS Monitor
If a court mandates you to wear an ankle monitor, they want to ensure you don’t risk getting into more trouble. For instance, you may have to stay within a certain radius of your home and regularly check in with your probation officer. That aside, here are some justifications for wearing the device:
1. Flight Risk
If a court considers you a flight risk, the judge may order you to wear an ankle monitor while you’re out on bond. Usually, ankle monitors are reserved for people awaiting trial and are considered a danger to the community or a flight risk. The purpose of an ankle monitor is to ensure you stay within the boundaries set by the court. Otherwise, violating your bond terms could see you facing jail time.
2. An Alternative to a Jail Sentence
Conviction of an offense often implies spending time in jail. For instance, if you’re a DUI defendant, you may face time behind bars, including a fine. But, in some cases, judges may offer alternatives to a jail sentence like bail for a DUI. If you’re deemed a low-risk offender, you may avoid jail by wearing an ankle monitor instead. An ankle monitor is typically used as an alternative to pre-trial detention or as a condition of probation. If you have to wear an ankle monitor, you’ll need to adhere to specific rules and regulations. For instance, you may have to refrain from drinking alcohol. The device can also track your indulgence in alcohol by testing your sweat and relaying such information to the relevant authorities, including your probation officer. Thus, if you violate the terms of your ankle monitor, you may be subject to additional penalties, including jail time.
3. Reducing Your Bail
A significant challenge you might face upon arrest involves finding cash for your bail. Not everyone has a rainy day fund, meaning you could have a tough time in the event of arrest. Our bail bonds services can help offset part of the bail, but it usually comes at a cost. Let’s assume that your bail is $5000 and the bail bond service charges a 15% fee. This implies you’ll incur an additional non-refundable $750 charge. A competent lawyer can represent you and get the court to reduce your bail – in which case you would have to wear an ankle monitor. By agreeing to this condition, you essentially promise the court that you’ll stick around and not run away. This could increase the chance of getting a lower bail price or even no bail at all. However, failure to wear an ankle monitor could result in higher bail. If the court believes an ankle monitor may hinder your ability to work or take care of your family, they may set a higher bail amount.
GPS Ankle Monitor: How it Works
An ankle monitor is a device you wear around your ankle to track your movement and location. It’s usually about the size of a pager and is strapped to your ankle with a tamper-proof band. The most common type of monitoring is a radio frequency (RF), which uses GPS to determine your whereabouts. The device transmits a signal to a base unit, typically located in the home – connected to a landline phone. If you go outside the designated area, the device vibrates and emits a loud tone. This notifies you that you’re about to go against the set conditions for your release. Now, if you don’t return to the designated area, the device sends an alert to the authorities. In most cases, GPS ankle monitors are only used for people who are out on bond for nonviolent crimes.
Typically, you’re required to have a company install the monitor. The firm usually charges daily GPS fees for using the device. Plus, these fees vary from firm to firm. Our bail bondsmen in Connecticut can help you weigh your options by computing the different costs, even as you ponder your bail terms.
What Crimes Require An Ankle Monitor
The use of ankle monitors, also known as electronic monitoring or house arrest bracelets, can vary significantly based on jurisdiction, the severity of the crime, and the individual’s previous criminal history. However, some common situations where an ankle monitor may be used include:
- Serious Crimes: For more serious offenses like murder, sexual assault, or major drug offenses, courts often require the defendant to wear an ankle monitor as a condition of bail or parole.
- Repeat Offenders: Individuals with a history of reoffending or who have violated bail or parole terms in the past might be required to wear an ankle monitor. This provides an extra layer of supervision to help prevent them from committing further offenses.
- Domestic Violence: In cases of domestic violence, ankle monitors can be used to ensure the offender maintains a required distance from the victim.
- DUI or DWI: Individuals convicted of multiple DUI (Driving Under Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) offenses might be required to wear an ankle monitor that can detect alcohol levels, ensuring they comply with court orders not to drink.
- Immigration Cases: In some instances, individuals awaiting court dates for immigration proceedings may be required to wear ankle monitors.
Why Bondsmen Use GPS Monitoring
Bail bonds are a financial safety net, a promise to the court that the defendant will show up on their scheduled trial date. But there’s a significant risk involved for the bondsman. If the defendant disappears or breaks bail conditions, the bondsman could end up having to foot the entire bail amount, which can easily stretch into tens of thousands of dollars.
This is where GPS monitoring comes into play. It’s like an added insurance policy, particularly for larger bail amounts. It not only allows bondsmen to approve your bail, but also helps to keep a check on whether you’re following the court’s release conditions. Here’s why GPS monitoring is a game changer for bail bondsmen:
- Risk Reduction: GPS monitoring decreases the risk of bail bond forfeiture. It’s a safety net for the safety net!
- Easy Tracking: If a defendant decides to run, the GPS monitor makes it much easier to locate them.
- Assured Attendance: With GPS monitoring, there’s a greater certainty that the defendant will turn up for court proceedings.
- Avoidance of Asset Recovery: GPS monitoring helps save time and money that would otherwise be spent on trying to recover collateral assets if a defendant absconds. It’s a win-win for both sides.
How to Make an Ankle Monitor More Comfortable
Wearing an ankle monitor can lead to an unbearable and sometimes painful experience – if not done correctly. Here’s how to stay comfortable:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing: Avoid anything too tight or constricting around the monitor. This could lead to chafing and skin irritation.
- Use lotion: Applying lotion to the skin around the monitor helps keep it from drying out. It can also help with any irritation caused by the anklet.
- Check the fit: Ensure the monitor is snug but not too tight. You should be able to move your ankle freely without the monitor slipping off.
- To keep the monitor from slipping, use moleskin: Moleskin is soft adhesive padding found at most drugstores. It’s often used to prevent blisters when wearing shoes. But it can also help keep an ankle monitor in place. Just cut a small piece and attach it to your skin before putting it on the anklet.
Contact Connecticut Bail Bonds if you have pressing questions regarding your bail. You can go about it by calling or emailing us. Our highly rated team is available to help you regain your freedom. That way, you stand a better chance of formulating a solid defense strategy to overcome a conviction.
Connecticut Bail Bonds Group,
11 Asylum St, Suite 512 Hartford CT 06103,
(860) 420-2245
