Getting the call that your loved one has been granted bail is a huge relief. It means they can come home, return to work, and prepare for their case from a place of comfort and stability. However, sometimes that release comes with a catch—a court-ordered accessory that clips on and stays on: an ankle monitor.
For many, this device is a mystery. Is it a punishment? A tracker? How does it work with the bail bond you just posted?
If you or a loved one is facing the possibility of an ankle monitor while out on bond, this guide is for you. We’ll break down the what, why, and how of electronic monitoring in Florida, so you can understand its role in the pretrial release process.
What’s an Ankle Monitor, Anyway?
Before we dive deep, let’s answer the basic question: whats an ankle monitor? An ankle monitor device is a form of electronic surveillance worn by a defendant as a condition of their pretrial release. It’s not about punishment; it’s about ensuring compliance with the court’s orders and guaranteeing public safety while a person is out on bond.
So, how do ankle monitors work? It depends on the type. While people use the term generically, there are a few different kinds. The most common types are known by their technology.
Radio Frequency (RF) Monitors
These are the classic “house arrest” devices. The monitor communicates with a base station installed in the person’s home. If the wearer strays too far from the base station, an alert is sent to the monitoring agency. This type doesn’t track location, only whether the person is at home during their required curfew.
GPS Monitors
This is the type most people think of. These devices use Global Positioning System technology to track a person’s location 24/7. The court can set up “exclusion zones” (places the person cannot go, like a victim’s home or workplace) or “inclusion zones” (places they must be, like work or school at certain times).
SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring)
This specialized ankle monitor actually tests the wearer’s perspiration for alcohol consumption. It’s often used as a condition of bail for DUI charges or other alcohol-related offenses to enforce sobriety.
Why Would Someone Have an Ankle Monitor?
A judge’s primary considerations when setting bail are ensuring the defendant returns for court and protecting the community. If there are concerns about either of those, but the judge doesn’t want to hold the person without bond, an ankle monitor serves as a middle ground.
Here are some common reasons why would someone have an ankle monitor as part of their release:
- A GPS monitor may be ordered if the defendant is considered a flight risk, as it makes it much harder for a person with few community ties or a history of missing court to flee.
- The nature of the charge plays a big role; for serious offenses like domestic violence or stalking, a judge will often order a GPS monitor with an exclusion zone to protect the alleged victim.
- A history of repeat offenses, such as multiple DUIs, may lead a judge to order a specialized SCRAM device to ensure the defendant remains sober while the case is pending.
- Electronic monitoring can sometimes be used to lower a high bond amount, with the judge seeing the device as an added layer of security for the community.
In essence, having an ankle monitor while out on bond is often the very thing that makes getting out on bond possible.
The Florida Ankle Monitor and Your Bail Bond
So where does the bail bond fit in? A bail bond is a financial guarantee that the defendant will show up to court. The ankle monitor is a non-financial condition that enforces physical restrictions. They work together as two different tools to achieve the same goals: compliance and appearance.
Your agreement with the bail bondsman covers the financial risk. The agreement for the electronic monitoring is typically with a separate, court-approved monitoring company. It’s crucial to understand that violating the terms of your Florida ankle monitor – like cutting it off or entering an exclusion zone—is also a violation of your bail conditions and can lead to the bond being revoked and a warrant issued for your arrest.
Answering Your Ankle Monitor Questions
- How much do ankle bracelets cost? This is a critical question, and the defendant, not the court, is typically responsible for the cost. While there is a general industry range for these services, the official costs are set by county programs. To find the exact fee schedule, you should contact the Sheriff’s Office or the Pre-Trial Services division in the relevant county (e.g., Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach). Be sure to ask about the one-time setup fee and the recurring daily rate.
- Why would someone have 2 ankle monitors? While rare, it’s possible. It could be a situation where one device is a standard GPS tracker and the other is a specialized SCRAM device for alcohol monitoring. It can also occur in complex cases involving overlapping jurisdictions (e.g., separate state and federal requirements).
Your Responsibilities
Wearing an ankle monitor device comes with strict rules. You must keep it charged, stay out of forbidden zones, and adhere to any curfews. Any violation sends an immediate alert.
Conclusion
While an ankle monitor is an inconvenience, it’s ultimately a tool that allows for freedom during a difficult legal process. At A Aabbott & Cathy Bail Bonds, we do more than just post the bond. Our experienced agents ensure you understand all the conditions of your release in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. We’ll explain what to expect, so you can navigate your pretrial release successfully. Call us now at (954) 463-6363.