Many people prefer probation over jail time when facing criminal charges. However, probation can come with its own unique challenges and restrictions. Some people on probation are required to wear ankle monitors. Knowing the rules surrounding these monitors and how to comply with your probation sentence can help you stay out of trouble.

If you are considering probation or would like to know more about how ankle monitors work while you’re on probation, you can call our Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys at The Criminal Defense Team for a free case review.

What Are Ankle Monitors?

Ankle monitors are devices enabled with GPS-tracking technology that individuals wear around their ankles. They monitor the wearer’s location and movements, often as part of a court-ordered supervision program.

Ankle monitors are a critical component of the Indiana probation system. Law enforcement officers and probation officers can know where the person on probation is without having to personally follow them. This helps them know if they are adhering to probation restrictions, such as:

Only going to certain locations, such as home and work
Not visiting people with criminal backgrounds
Arriving home in time for curfew
Staying away from restricted areas, such as schools or places with children

When Are Ankle Monitors Used?

Ankle monitors are not assigned to everyone. A person may be sentenced to probation when the offense or circumstances do not justify jail time. However, not everyone on probation has to wear an ankle monitor.

Ankle monitors may be assigned based on the defendant’s history and the circumstances, including:

Flight risk
Substance abuse problems
Compliance with previous terms of probation or restrictions
Specific court orders that are better enabled with ankle monitoring

The court decides whether to order ankle monitoring and for how long. If you are ordered to use an ankle monitor, you will usually be required to pay for this service. The Indiana electronic monitoring program generally charges $50 for installation and $14/day spent under supervision. Exceptions apply to low-income participants.

Different Types of Ankle Monitors

There are generally three types of ankle monitors that may be assigned to a person on probation that are currently used in Indiana:

GPS monitors: These track your location and movement.
RF monitors: These monitors ensure you remain in a specific range and may be assigned if you’re on house arrest.
SCRAM monitors: Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitors (SCRAM) detect alcohol consumption through perspiration.

The monitor assigned depends on the nature of the offense, conditions of probation, and your assessed community risk level.

Advanced Ankle Monitor Technology

Ankle monitors generally use GPS technology to track movement in real time. However, some monitors come with enhanced technologies, such as testing for alcohol consumption or recording audio.

Consequences of Not Wearing an Ankle Monitor

If you are ordered to wear an ankle monitor, but you don’t wear it, take it off, or disable it, you could face severe consequences. You could be sent to jail to finish the criminal sentence.

Contact Our Legal Team for a Confidential Consultation

Because violations involving ankle monitors can significantly impact your life, you must understand how they work. The Criminal Defense Team can discuss their use and how we can help when you call for a free case review.

Probation and Ankle Monitors in Indiana