GPS Monitoring in Indianapolis

Everyone has seen someone around town wearing an ankle monitor. And while these less than fashionable accessories are more common than ever in Indianapolis, if you need to sport a GPS monitor as a condition of your release, you better know the terms.

If you or a loved one have been charged with a crime, accused of violating parole, or need help with your GPS monitoring, speak with an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorney right away.

Call Hessler Law, PC today at (317) 886-8800 or use our online form to schedule a free, initial consultation.

What Is GPS Monitoring?

Look it’s no secret that jails are full. Overcrowding is a serious issue, and GPS monitoring provides a valid alternative to incarceration in some situations. For example, someone convicted of a DUI can spend time under home confinement and get credit for the time they should spend behind bars so long as they comply with GPS monitoring.

Here’s how GPS monitoring works:

• You’ll be required to wear the ankle bracelet at all times.
• Your GPS coordinates will be sent to your parole officer.
• If you leave a specific geographic area, then an alert will go out.
• You’ll have to get permission to work, shop, and do other activities.

Tracking your whereabouts with GPS anklets that you cannot remove is becoming more common throughout Indiana for pretrial release, probation, and parole. The reasons for this are twofold: to lower prison populations and to reduce the chance of recidivism. If your location can be tracked at all times, it’s assumed you are less likely to commit another crime or flee.

This GPS device is usually an ankle bracelet, which you are not allowed to tamper with. The device will transmit your location information to law enforcement 24 hours a day, 7 days per week until you are entitled to have it removed. Going somewhere you are prohibited from being counts as a parole violation and so would trying to remove or turn off the device.

Who’s Eligible for GPS Monitoring?

You’d probably be surprised by the number of people serving sentences under home confinement and GPS monitoring. While the system is far from perfect, and a lot depends on the fact of your case, if your charges do not include violence, you are not a danger to the community, suffer from certain illnesses, and have a relatively clean background, you may be a candidate. However, it’s always best to discuss the details of what you can expect with an experienced lawyer.

GPS Monitoring While on Parole

Parole is when you are released from prison to finish out the remainder of your punishment. While you are no longer incarcerated, you are not entirely free.

During parole, you will be supervised by an officer, including through in-person check-ins and possibly GPS monitoring. You will also be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing and fulfill other requirements. If you violate any of the conditions of your parole, you may be sent back to prison.

GPS Monitoring as a Sex Offender

If you were convicted of a sex offense in Indiana, your parole comes with additional stipulations, like not being in contact with minors and not be living within a certain distance from schools.

For individuals adjudicated as a sexual, violent, or sexually violent predator, any parole you secure will almost assuredly involve a monitoring device.

Violations Mean Harsh Penalties

Remember – GPS monitoring and serving a sentence under home confinement are considered privileges. The law sees it as a favorable alternative to incarceration, and frankly so should you. If you’re accused of violating the restrictions, tampering with the device, or removing it then you may be rearrested and charged with a violation. This is a serious situation, where you may return to prison to serve the remainder of your sentence or get the book thrown at you for your original offense.

Let Our Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyers Help

If you are required to wear a GPS monitor as part of your sentence or parole, speak with the Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys at Hessler Law as soon as possible. We understand how mistakes happen with these devices and oversights often lead to innocent people being accused of violations. But don’t let this chunky and conspicuous monitor make it more difficult for you to get a good job, be successful in school, and move on after a criminal charge.

Let us answer your questions and defend you against false or misunderstood circumstances that could lead to more time in prison. To learn more, call Hessler Law at (317) 886-8800 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation.