For many DWI and drug offenders, electronic home monitoring is a favorable alternative to jail time. Under the governance of the home monitoring system, offenders have the opportunity to serve their sentence from home and check in with the court at specified times.
Although home monitoring may seem an ideal solution, there are several potential drawbacks. One of our former clients reports that the ankle monitor was extremely uncomfortable and chaffed her skin. Additionally, one is not able to use any lotions, perfumes, or other body products containing even trace amounts of alcohol while wearing the bracelet. In another case that we blogged about, a West Virginia man sued his county, claiming that his ankle monitor caused an infection which required surgery.
In Hennepin County, program participants are required to adhere to a number of rules to remain eligible for home monitoring. Participants must first pay a $30 booking fee. They will then be assessed a program fee of $16 per day. Offenders must have a registered, verifiable residence where they must live for the entirety of the program. They must also have a telephone line which does not have features such as voicemail and caller ID.
