Why Do People Get Put on House Arrest?
House arrest is a type of criminal justice sentence where an individual is confined to their home and is required to stay within a specific boundary or range. This form of supervision is often used as an alternative to incarceration in cases where the individual is considered a low-risk offender. In this article, we will explore the reasons why people get put on house arrest.
Why Do Courts Order House Arrest?
Courts may order house arrest for various reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Non-violent offenses: House arrest is often used for individuals who have been convicted of non-violent crimes such as theft, possession of drugs, or computer crimes.
- Multiple offenses: Individuals who have been convicted of multiple crimes may be ordered to undergo house arrest as a alternative to serving multiple sentences.
- Low-risk offender: Courts may consider the individual’s risk level before sentencing them to house arrest. If they are considered a low-risk offender, they may be given house arrest instead of incarceration.
Types of House Arrest
There are different types of house arrest, including:
- Electronic monitoring: This is the most common type of house arrest, where an individual is fitted with a GPS tracking device that tracks their movements and location.
- House arrest with community service: In this type of house arrest, individuals are required to perform community service in addition to serving their sentence at home.
- Home confinement: This type of house arrest is often used for individuals who are awaiting trial or serving a sentence. In this case, they may be confined to their home with minimal restrictions.
Benefits of House Arrest
House arrest has several benefits, including:
- Reduced cost: Incarceration is expensive for the government, and house arrest can help reduce costs.
- Preserves family relationships: House arrest allows individuals to maintain family relationships and connections, which is important for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
- Promotes community reintegration: House arrest allows individuals to continue with their daily activities, jobs, and social connections, which can help them re-integrate into society once their sentence is complete.
Restrictions of House Arrest
While house arrest has its benefits, there are also some restrictions:
- Curfew restrictions: Individuals on house arrest may be required to maintain a specific curfew or stay within a certain geographical area.
- Job restrictions: Some individuals on house arrest may be limited in their ability to work or attend school.
- Visitation restrictions: Visitation rules may vary depending on the specific restrictions imposed by the court.
Challenges of House Arrest
House arrest also presents some challenges, including:
- Monitoring restrictions: Individuals on house arrest may have restrictions on when and how they can receive visitors or access certain activities.
- Social isolation: House arrest can be isolating, which can lead to mental health concerns.
- Limited contact with the outside world: Individuals on house arrest may have limited contact with their friends and family, which can make it difficult for them to maintain relationships.
Conclusion
House arrest is a form of sentencing that is often used in cases where an individual is considered a low-risk offender or has committed a non-violent crime. Courts may order house arrest to reduce costs, preserve family relationships, and promote community reintegration. While there are benefits to house arrest, there are also challenges and restrictions that individuals on house arrest must navigate.
Table: Comparison of House Arrest and Incarceration
| House Arrest | Incarceration | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Reduces costs for the government | High costs for incarceration |
| Family Relationships | Preserves relationships | Can be isolating |
| Community Integration | Promotes community integration | Can hinder integration |
| Restrictions | Limited restrictions on daily activities | Stricter restrictions on daily activities |
References
- The National Center for State Courts. (2020). House Arrest: A Comparison of Electronic Monitoring and Jail.
- The Sentencing Project. (2020). The Rise of Correctional Control in the Era of Mass Incarceration.
- The American Society of Criminology. (2020). Criminology and Public Policy: A Guide for Decision-Makers.
Note: The article is based on general information and may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
