Under California law, judges can grant certain criminal offenders with house arrest instead of a jail sentence. Also known as home confinement, this alternative sentence arrangement lets someone serve their time while inside their own house instead of going to prison.
In this blog, we will discuss the state’s eligibility criteria and rules for house arrest:
How can someone qualify for house arrest?
The courts will consider a person’s type of offense, their criminal record and their chances of reoffending. While these cases are evaluated on an individual basis, house arrests are often focused on people who are convicted of misdemeanors and those who are considered as low-risk, nonviolent offenders.
House arrest may also be granted for people with disabilities or medical impairments that would make their conditions difficult to manage while inside prison.
What are the rules for house arrest?
In California, being on house arrest involves remaining under continuous supervision of the officers in charge. Offenders are given an ankle monitor, which is a type of electronic monitoring device that provides real time tracking of their location. They must always wear this device.
While they are restricted to home confinement, they can have pre-approved activities related to their work, medical checkups or court-ordered programs. When an offender is on house arrest, it is crucial for them to follow strict behavioral rules and undergo random drug testing protocols.
What can happen to someone who violates their house arrest conditions?
Violating the terms of a house arrest arrangement can lead to significant legal consequences. While the penalties may vary depending on the type of violation made by the offender, their previous compliance will also be factored into consideration.
For example, an offender went outside of their backyard and sat on the streets. Since they left their designated area without permission, their ankle monitor will send an alert to the monitoring agency, which in turn notifies their probation officer.
If their action was a first-time violation, their probation officer may issue them with a warning. However, more serious violations may lead to the potential revocation of their house arrest.
To serve a sentence with dignity
By complying with the conditions of their house arrest, offenders can abide by the rules while focusing on their personal growth and maintaining a source of normalcy in their lives.