There is no single set of ankle-monitor rules that applies to every Tennessee defendant. The controlling rules come from the judge's order, the type of monitoring imposed, the supervision agency, and the statute governing the case. Someone on GPS monitoring for domestic violence may have exclusion zones and victim-proximity restrictions, while someone on house arrest or alcohol monitoring may have completely different requirements.
The safest rule is simple: obtain the written order and follow it literally. Do not rely on what another person wearing an ankle monitor says they are allowed to do.
Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer & Former Prosecutor Kevin Kennedy. 615-205-7311. Call or text for a free consultation.
Keep the Device Charged and Operating
Electronic monitors generally must remain powered and functional. A dead battery can generate an alert or create an alleged violation even when the person never intentionally entered a prohibited area.
Charge the device exactly as instructed. If charging equipment fails, contact the monitoring provider immediately and document the call or message.
Do Not Remove, Damage, or Tamper With the Monitor
Tennessee law treats tampering seriously. For certain probation monitoring devices, knowingly tampering with, removing, or vandalizing the device is a Class B misdemeanor, and a person who knowingly assists can also be charged. Damage can create additional theft consequences depending on value.
Never attempt to loosen, block, cover, cut, disable, or interfere with the device.
Follow Exclusion Zones
GPS monitoring can be programmed around places the defendant is ordered to avoid. In domestic violence cases, Tennessee law allows the magistrate to specify prohibited locations and minimum distances.
An exclusion zone may involve a residence, workplace, school, or another location associated with the alleged victim. The exact boundaries should be understood before traveling nearby.
Follow Any Proximity Restriction
Domestic-violence GPS monitoring can include alerts when the defendant comes within a prescribed proximity of a participating alleged victim's device. This is different from merely avoiding a fixed address.
If an accidental encounter occurs in public, follow the court order and monitoring instructions rather than approaching the protected person to explain what happened.
Follow Curfew and Approved Schedules
House arrest or location-based monitoring may limit when a person can leave home and where the person can go. Work, treatment, medical appointments, court, or other activities may require prior approval.
Keep documentation of approved schedule changes. A verbal understanding can become difficult to prove after an alert.
Report Technical Problems Immediately
Tennessee requires qualified electronic monitoring providers to offer troubleshooting and a hotline for technical problems, malfunctions, and emergencies. Providers also must maintain procedures for repair or replacement.
If a device vibrates, loses signal, will not charge, or appears defective, report the problem immediately and preserve screenshots, call logs, photographs, and names of anyone contacted.
Do Not Ignore an Alert
An alert does not necessarily prove an intentional violation, but ignoring instructions can make the situation worse. Follow the provider's directions and notify counsel when the alert could affect bond or probation.
GPS data, timestamps, provider notes, and device-health records can help distinguish intentional conduct from technical problems.
Pay Required Monitoring Fees
Some Tennessee statutes place monitoring costs on the defendant. Under § 40-11-152, defendants ordered to GPS monitoring in the covered domestic violence, stalking, and protection-order cases must pay the costs and are not eligible for assistance from the electronic monitoring indigency fund.
The statute includes notice and show-cause procedures for nonpayment rather than allowing the provider simply to terminate covered GPS monitoring immediately. Other types of monitoring can have different payment rules, including 2026 changes for certain devices.
Can You Travel Outside the County?
Only if the applicable order and supervision rules permit it. GPS technology may physically continue to work outside the county, but that does not mean travel is legally authorized.
Ask for permission before making travel plans when approval is required.
Can You Go to Work?
Often yes when the court permits employment, but the approved schedule and route may matter. A person on strict house arrest may need specific authorization, while a person on GPS exclusion-zone monitoring may have more freedom outside prohibited areas.
Employment records can also become useful if an alert is later disputed.
What Happens If You Violate the Rules?
A monitoring violation can lead to a bond hearing, modification or revocation of release, a probation violation, or in some circumstances a separate criminal allegation. The consequence depends on the type of order and alleged conduct.
Do not assume the monitoring company's alert is conclusive. Obtain the underlying records when location accuracy, device malfunction, charging, or timing is disputed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shower with an ankle monitor?
Follow the specific device instructions provided by the monitoring company. Do not remove the device unless expressly authorized.
What happens if the battery dies?
It can generate an alert. Report charging or equipment problems immediately and preserve proof of the problem.
Can I go to work while wearing an ankle monitor?
Often, but only within the schedule and conditions approved in your case.
Can I leave Tennessee?
Not merely because the GPS device can track you. Travel must comply with the court order and supervision requirements.
What if the monitor gives a false alert?
Report the issue immediately. Device logs, GPS records, provider notes, and other location evidence can be used to investigate the allegation.
Talk With a Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer
An ankle monitor can affect where you live, where you work, how you travel, and whether you remain out of jail while a case is pending. The exact court order matters, and an alleged monitoring violation should be investigated rather than assumed to be accurate.
Kevin Kennedy Law Firm represents people facing criminal charges, bond conditions, probation issues, and electronic-monitoring requirements in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.