What is House Arrest? (Costs + Rules)

For a little while after my uncle had gotten out of prison he was put on house arrest. It was this whole big ordeal mainly because we always had to drive a few hours to see him every couple of weeks. I was young at the time so I didn’t understand why he couldn’t leave home or what was on his ankle, now that I’m older I wanted to look more into house arrest. This is everything I have found out!

House arrest is a form of supervision that is used by the court system to monitor and restrict an individual who has been convicted or charged with a crime. This type of monitoring involves placing an electronic tracking device, such as an ankle bracelet, on the offender’s body so that they can be tracked constantly by law enforcement officials. In addition to being monitored 24/7, individuals placed on house arrest are typically restricted to their homes, although they may be allowed to leave for certain approved activities like going to work or school.

There is more to this, so keep reading to find out more.

Reasons For House Arrest

There are a number of different factors that can lead to an individual being placed on house arrest, including:

  • The severity and nature of the crime they have been convicted or accused of committing
  • Their risk level and the likelihood of reoffending
  • Whether or not they pose a threat to the community at large
  • Whether the court system feels that they will be better able to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society if they are kept out of jail or in a less restrictive form of confinement

In addition to being used as an alternative to incarceration for certain offenders, house arrest can also be used as a way for individuals who have already been released from prison to gradually transition back into society.

What Crimes Get You Put On House Arrest?

There are a number of different crimes that can result in someone being placed on house arrest. Some examples include:

  • Violent crimes, such as assault, domestic violence, and murder
  • Property crimes, like burglary and theft
  • Drug offenses, such as drug possession or trafficking

The specific conditions of house arrest that an offender is subject to will depend on the circumstances of their case and the severity of the crime they have been convicted of.

List of States House Arrest Costs

StateCosts
Alabama$10
Alaska$10-14
Arizona$13.50
ArkansasVaries
California$5-10
Colorado$11-20
Connecticut30
Delaware40
Florida15-20
Georgia18
Hawaii10-15
IdahoFree
Illinois15-20
Indiana15-20
IowaFree
Kansas10-20
Kentucky5-18
Louisiana12
Maine18
Maryland10-20
Massachusetts15-25
Michigan12
MinnesotaFree
Mississippi10-20
Missouri12
MontanaFree
Nebraska15
Nevada20-30
New HampshireFree
New Jersey15-25
New Mexico16
New York15-20
North Carolina15-20
North Dakota6-10
Ohio12-15
Oklahoma12
OregonFree
Pennsylvania15-20
Rhode Island30-35
South Carolina10-20
South DakotaFree
Tennessee16-19
Texas10-20
Utah15-18
Vermont30
Virginia15
Washington12-20
West VirginiaFree
Wisconsin10-18
WyomingFree

Can You Have Visitors?

Depending on the conditions of your house arrest, you may be allowed to have visitors. For example, if you are a minor and have been placed on house arrest for a non-violent crime, you may be able to have your friends and family visit you in your home. However, this is not always the case, and some restrictions may be placed on whom you are allowed to have contact with.

What Rules Are There?

When you are placed on house arrest, there will typically be certain rules and restrictions that you must follow. For example, you may be required to stay at home throughout your entire sentence, or you may only allowed to leave for approved activities like going to work or school. You may also be prohibited from using the internet or other forms of communication, such as phone calls or emails. Depending on the specific conditions of your house arrest, you may be subject to random drug and alcohol testing, frequent home visits from law enforcement, and more.

Advantages vs Disadvantages of House Arrest

There are a number of pros and cons to being placed on house arrest. On the one hand, it is often seen as a more humane way for individuals who have been convicted or charged with a crime to serve out their sentence, as they do not have to spend time in prison. Additionally, some people may find that the restriction of being confined to their home actually helps them to focus on rebuilding their life and getting back on track. However, it is important to remember that house arrest can be very restrictive and many individuals may find that it can negatively impact their daily life in a number of ways.

Consulting An Attorney

If you have been placed on house arrest, it is important to consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. They can review your case and help you understand the specific conditions of your sentence, while also providing support and guidance during this challenging time. With their help and expertise, you can work towards finding the best possible outcome for yourself and your future.