Jessica is a practicing attorney and has taught law and has a J.D. and LL.M.
What Is House Arrest? - Definitions, Laws & Rules
Definition
What do Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton have in common? Well, aside from their early 2000s celebrity status and colorful arrest records, both have served house arrest while waiting for their trials to start.
House arrest is an alternative penalty to prison. Under house arrest, one must serve their sentence being confined to their home. House arrest, also referred to as 'electronic monitoring,' is done by the use of an electronic monitoring device that is placed directly on the offender. The device is typically placed on the ankle and cannot easily be removed. It sends GPS signals which are monitored at all times. If the offender fails to stay in the home or does not adhere to the terms of the house arrest, they will be in violation of the house arrest; as a result, the offender may be sent to prison to serve the rest of their term.
Laws
Every state has different laws regarding the use of house arrest. Usually, house arrest is used for juvenile offenders or repeat offenders. House arrest may also be used when there is overcrowding in prisons and there is a need to relieve the strain this puts on the prison system. However, house arrest is never utilized for serious crimes, such as murder or rape.
Most states require that when one is under house arrest, a probation officer oversees the house arrest term. A probation officer is a person who supervises inmates and ensures that they are following the rules of their incarceration. Thus, when one is under house arrest, the probation officer will make sure the offender is adhering to the house arrest terms and staying inside the house.
In addition, the laws of most states require that the offender stay within the house for the entire term of their sentence. There may be exceptions where the offender may be allowed to leave the confines of the house. For instance, the offender may need to attend court or go to a doctor's appointment.
Rules
If you are ever under house arrest, there are typically rules you must follow. These rules will vary by each state, so it is important to check the particular state where you live. However, generally, these rules include the following:
- You must stay within a certain proscribed radius of the house.
- If authorized, you may travel directly to and from work or school without making any other stops.
- If authorized, you may be able to take 'breaks' to certain authorized locations such as a grocery store or physician's appointment.
- If authorized, you may be able to go into the backyard of the house.
- You cannot remove the electronic monitoring device.
- You may not have any friends come and visit you while under house arrest unless you receive express permission.
- Telephone use is limited to certain individuals and time frames.
Conclusion
House arrest is an alternative to incarceration. It allows individuals to serve their sentences at home for certain crimes while being monitored by probation officers. Those under house arrest are subject to restrictions and failure to adhere to these restrictions can lead to prison time.
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
Register to view this lesson
Unlock Your Education
See for yourself why 30 million people use Study.com
Become a Study.com member and start learning now.
Become a MemberAlready a member? Log In
BackWhat Is House Arrest? - Definitions, Laws & Rules
Related Study Materials
- TExES Science of Teaching Reading (293): Practice & Study Guide
- Next Gen NCLEX-PN Study Guide & Practice
- Next Gen NCLEX-RN Study Guide & Practice
- TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (391): Practice & Study Guide
- TExES School Counselor (252): Practice & Study Guide
- Multithreading, Networking & Machine Learning in Python
- Digital Forensics
- The Internet of Things and Networking
- Network Routing and Switching
- Virtual Servers and Networking
- How to Pick Your Homeschool Curriculum
- Role of Student Support in Open & Distance Learning
- TExES Principal Exam Redesign (068 vs. 268)
- Teacher Salary by State
- ESL Resource Guide for Teachers
- What is a Homeschool Co-op?
- How to Start Homeschooling Your Children
Latest Courses
- Chemical Nomenclature & Notation
- Factors Impacting Family & Consumer Sciences
- Heritability Coefficient
- Major Health Problems in the United States
- Direct Impact of Two Smooth Bodies
- Transistor as an Amplifier & Oscillator
- Using Research to Select Interventions in Social Work
- What are Dinosaurs Related to? - Quiz & Worksheet for Kids
- Quiz & Worksheet - Memory Hole in 1984
- Finding a Character's Emotions by Actions: Quiz & Worksheet for Kids
- Quiz & Worksheet - Types of Personality Disorders
- Flashcards - Real Estate Marketing Basics
- Flashcards - Promotional Marketing in Real Estate
- Argumentative and Persuasive Essay Topics for Teachers
- 11th Grade Math Worksheets & Printables
Latest Lessons
- Common Core Math Grade 8 - The Number System: Standards
- Intro to Music
- Business Math: Skills Development & Training
- Division: Homework Help Resource
- MTTC Earth/Space Science (020): Practice & Study Guide
- Introduction to Adult Development and Aging
- AP English: Prose Nonfiction
- Quiz & Worksheet - Saturated Solutions
- Quiz & Worksheet - Tablespoons to Grams Conversion Practice
- Quiz & Worksheet - The National Labor Relations Board History & Role
- Quiz & Worksheet - Punitive Justice Meaning
- Quiz & Worksheet - Impact of Workplace Violence on Human Resources
Popular Courses
- Technology Used in Musical Compositions
- Brain Stem Tumor: Treatment, Prognosis & Survival Rate
- Opinion Writing Prompts
- Memorial Day Activities
- Physics Activities for Kids
- PERT Test Dates
- How to Pass the US Citizenship Test
- What are Professional References?
- USMLE Step 2 CK Preparation
- How to Ace the LSAT
- Science Picture Books
- GMAT Registration Information
Popular Lessons
Math
Social Sciences
Science
Business
Humanities
Education
History
Art and Design
Tech and Engineering
- Tech and Engineering - Videos
- Tech and Engineering - Quizzes
- Tech and Engineering - Questions & Answers