What does “house arrest” mean?
If you are arrested for a crime and taken to juvenile court, you may be released on what’s called “house arrest” or “home detention.” That means once you return home, there are specific rules you have to follow or risk being locked up again. Generally, you’re confined to your home unless you’re given certain windows of time to be away for school, work, doctor’s appointments, etc. You need the permission of your probation officer to leave your house.
Other court orders you have to live with may include a no-contact order between you and the victim or victim’s family. You could also be placed on an electronic monitor (leg bracelet) that records your whereabouts or if you’ve left the approved area (your home, for example). Some juveniles placed on house arrest are also prohibited from using the internet or any other digital device such as a cell phone or computer.
Usually, the terms of home detention are tied to the alleged crime. If you are charged with sexting or cyberbullying, for example, you can expect to be ordered, upon release, not to use any device where you can continue such activities. These restrictions may also become a term of your probation if that’s what happens to you. A violation of any probation term may lead to new charges and detention time.
Photo by banspy (Flickr)
