Personal Statement: House Arrest

House arrest has taught me a new appreciation for my freedom and the ability to be mobile. At first, this assignment sounded easy and a nice way to get all my studying and homework done. It wasn’t until the first time I wanted to leave and get something to eat did I realize it might not be all it’s cracked up to be. I frequently joke with people about being grounded and how I wish I would be sent to my room. I think if all the accessories that I have at home to entertain me, and then I realize they can only occupy me so long. After I spent hours of doing homework, and realized the only thing on T.V. was the same reruns of Law and Order Special Victims Unit that I have seen 20 times, it made me want to go pick up a movie at Redbox. However I
The dilemma I would run into is I would lose my job if I was on house arrest. Working in law enforcement, we are not allowed to be on probation or house arrest, nor are we allowed to have any type of record. So although I could afford the fees in my current situation, I think by merely being on house arrest, I wouldn’t be able to afford it for long. When it comes to the offender being required to pay the fees associated with probation and house arrest, I absolutely believe they should have to pay the fees associated. Everything cost money, including keeping track of an offender. Someone has to be responsible for making sure an offender does what they are supposed to, and monitor their movement. It seems to me that people who are required to actually pay for something themselves tend to appreciate it and take it more seriously. However, that added expense may cause a hinder to the success and completion of house arrest. If the fee is too high, it can cause a financial burden on the individual required to pay the fee. Therefore, I think the fee is only practical if is based off of the offenders fixed income. By basing it off of their income, it reassures they can afford the program which in return may help them successfully complete their probation and or house arrest. This also holds the offender financially responsible for their actions and takes the financial burden off the
At least 44 states require the defendants to pay their own parole and probation fees (Shapiro, 2014). Likewise, every state with the exception of Hawaii and the District of Columbia require the defendant to pay for electronic monitoring (Shapiro, 2014). Although, most states have fees associated with probation and house arrest, the fees vary from state to state. For example, Arizona charges an application fee of $150-$300 and then charges $65 a month. That fee can be adjusted and lowered however, based on the offender’s individual income (Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision, 2017). One of the more expensive fees is associated to Hawaii’s probation fee. Hawaii charges a $200 application fee and $150 for felony probation and $75 for misdemeanor probation (Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision, 2017). Whereas Vermont has the lowest fee. Vermont charges $15 a month with no application fee (Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision, 2017). In conclusion, although most states have some type of fees associated with probation and house arrest, they vary in the amount. The amount is based off of the circumstances of the individual offender. For example, some states like Montana and Maryland charge extra for drug offenders and those charged with DWI’s. Whereas, some states like Florida, Illinois Pennsylvania and Kentucky base