If you are convicted of DUI, domestic violence, a drug offence, or some other serious felony, the court may order you to serve a house arrest period. Often, this will be in lieu of jail or prison time. We often field calls about house arrest, and what it is like to be on house arrest. This blog is offered to help you understand a little bit more about what may be going on in your case.
House arrest, also known as electronic monitoring, is a form of alternative sentencing that allows a person to serve their sentence while remaining at their residence. This type of sentence is often seen as a more lenient alternative to traditional imprisonment, and can be a good option for people who have committed non-violent crimes and pose little risk to the community.
In Kansas, house arrest is a common option for people who have been convicted of crimes such as DUI or other misdemeanors. The process begins with the individual being fitted with a monitoring device, such as an ankle bracelet, which tracks their location and sends the information to a monitoring center. This allows authorities to ensure that the individual is remaining at their residence and not violating the terms of their sentence.
While on house arrest, people are typically subject to strict rules and limitations. These can include restrictions on their movement, such as being restricted to their home except for approved activities such as work, school, or court functions. They may also be subject to random drug or alcohol testing.
The goal of house arrest is to provide a form of punishment that is less restrictive than traditional imprisonment, while still allowing the individual to take responsibility for their actions and make amends for their crime. It also allows the individual to maintain their employment and support their family, which can be difficult to do while in prison.
However, it's important to note that violations of the rules or leaving the designated area can result in additional penalties. These can include extension of the house arrest period or outright revocation of the house arrest sentence and re-imprisonment. It's important for people who are sentenced to house arrest to understand the rules and restrictions of their sentence and to adhere to them closely.
Overall, house arrest can be a good option for people who have committed non-violent crimes and pose little risk to the community. It allows them to serve their sentence while remaining at home, maintain their employment, and support their family. It also provides a form of punishment that is less restrictive than traditional imprisonment.
It's also important to note that house arrest is not a get-out-of-jail-free card, it's still a form of punishment and the individual will still be required to serve their sentence. And it's also not available for all type of crimes and mostly used for non-violent crimes.
In conclusion, house arrest is a form of alternative sentencing that allows a person to serve their sentence while remaining at their residence in Kansas. It can be a good option for people who have committed non-violent crimes and pose little risk to the community, it allows them to maintain their employment and support their family, and provide a form of punishment that is less restrictive than traditional imprisonment. However, it's important for people to understand the rules and restrictions of their sentence and to adhere to them closely to avoid any additional penalties.
If you would like a free consultation for your DUI or criminal case, contact me today!