In Florida, electronic monitoring devices, such as ankle bracelets, are used by the Department of Corrections to ensure an individual complies with the terms of their parole or probation. Ankle bracelets are also sometimes used when a person is out on bail pending trial or sentencing. When you are wearing an ankle bracelet, you are limited to traveling within a particular area. If you travel beyond that area, your electronic monitoring devices will notify authorities
If you have any questions about the terms of your parole or your electronic monitoring device, contact criminal defense attorney Ron Herman. Failure to comply with the terms of probation or those imposed on individuals ordered to wear an ankle bracelet can result in serving out the rest of your term in prison and can also result in additional criminal charges.
How Are Electronic Monitoring Devices Used in Florida?
If you have been convicted of a crime, community control, or probation, may be part of your sentence in lieu of jail time. If you are awaiting trial, a court may allow you supervised release pending trial or sentencing. Part of your probation or supervised release may require you to wear an ankle monitor which is supervised by the Florida Department of Corrections to make sure you are staying within the court-prescribed area. If you are found to be noncompliant with the terms of your release and go out side of the permissible area, the ankle monitor will notify the Department of Corrections which will then generate a report of noncompliance. This report will be investigated by a community control, or probation, officer right away. Sometimes the Department of Corrects will contract with local law enforcement agencies to assist in these investigations
While ankle monitors may make it more likely for a judge to grant you probation instead of jail time, ankle monitors come with costs. You will have to pay the Department of Corrections for the cost of the electronic monitoring services. Additionally, if you tamper with, damage, or destroy electronic monitoring equipment, unless you are the owner of the equipment, an agent of the owner, or performing ordinary maintenance and repairs, you can face a third degree felony. A third degree felony carries punishments of up to $5,000 in fines and up to 5 years in prison.
Be careful if you are required to wear an ankle monitor. Avoiding touching it, repositioning it, or trying to alter it in any way even if it is just an attempt to make it more comfortable. Such interaction with the device may result in a faulty signal being sent. You may be charged with tampering or damaging the electronic monitoring device if such a signal is sent to the Department of Corrections.
Criminal Defense Attorney Protecting Your Legal Rights
While wearing an ankle monitor can help you avoid jail time and serve your term on probation, it can also be expensive and possibly lead to further criminal charges if you are suspected with tampering with the device. If you have questions or concerns about the terms of your probation, contact Herman Law, P.A. Attorney Ron Herman represents his clients throughout every criminal justice proceeding.