Electronic Monitoring and House Arrest

Not every criminal sentence in Washington requires jail time. In many cases, courts allow alternatives such as electronic home monitoring (EHM), often referred to as house arrest. These programs hold individuals accountable while giving them the opportunity to continue working, attending school, and caring for their families. At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we frequently help clients secure electronic monitoring in place of incarceration.

What Electronic Home Monitoring Means

Electronic home monitoring is a court-ordered program that requires an individual to remain at home while serving their sentence. A monitoring device, usually an ankle bracelet, tracks their location to ensure compliance. Courts may allow EHM for DUI convictions, misdemeanor cases, and even some felony charges where incarceration is deemed unnecessary. In some situations, it is also used as a condition of pretrial release. The program is not intended to be lenient. Participants must strictly comply with the court’s conditions, and violations can result in immediate incarceration.

How the Program Works

Once approved, the individual has the monitoring equipment installed by a county agency or a private provider. The device tracks their movements around the clock. Although house arrest requires them to remain at home, exceptions are often made for essential activities such as work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered treatment. These exceptions must be pre-approved, and any deviation from the schedule is considered a violation. Monitoring may also include additional conditions. For example, some devices track alcohol use through continuous monitoring technology. Others use GPS functions to ensure the individual does not enter restricted areas.

The Financial Costs

Unlike jail, which is funded by the county, electronic monitoring is typically paid for by the defendant. The costs vary by provider and county but usually include an installation fee and a daily monitoring fee. In Washington, these daily costs can range from $10 to $30 per day, with higher rates for programs that include GPS tracking or alcohol detection. While the expense can add up, EHM often allows individuals to maintain employment, making it a more practical and less disruptive option than incarceration.

Rules and Restrictions

Electronic monitoring is not simply a lighter sentence—it comes with significant restrictions. Participants are expected to follow strict schedules and abide by curfews. Travel is only permitted for pre-approved purposes, and violations are reported immediately to the supervising agency or the court. Courts often impose conditions related to sobriety, which may include random drug or alcohol testing. Even minor violations, such as returning home late, can result in the loss of eligibility and replacement with a jail sentence.

Courts do not automatically offer electronic home monitoring. Whether a defendant is approved depends on the seriousness of the offense, their criminal history, and whether the judge believes monitoring is appropriate. Having an experienced defense attorney is crucial. An attorney can argue for EHM in place of jail time, negotiate conditions that allow the individual to continue supporting their family, and assist in navigating the setup process. If issues arise during monitoring, counsel can also advocate for continued participation rather than revocation and incarceration.

Contact the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer

Electronic home monitoring provides an important alternative to jail in Washington. For many clients, it makes the difference between losing employment and maintaining stability during a difficult time. At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we fight for sentencing alternatives that protect both your freedom and your future. If you are facing criminal charges, contact us today to learn whether electronic home monitoring or house arrest may be available in your case.