Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer | GPS Monitoring as a Bond or Pretrial Release Condition
Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer & Former Prosecutor Kevin Kennedy. 615-205-7311. Call or text for a free consultation.
Why Would a Davidson County Judge Order a GPS Ankle Monitor?
A GPS ankle monitor can be imposed as a condition of bond or pretrial release in a Nashville criminal case. The purpose is generally to monitor a defendant's location and enforce restrictions while the case is pending.
GPS monitoring is especially important in certain domestic violence, stalking, and protection-order cases, but monitoring can arise in other cases as well depending on the charge, release conditions, and court order.
When Does Tennessee Law Specifically Address GPS Monitoring?
Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-11-152 contains GPS-monitoring provisions for specified domestic violence, stalking, sexual-assault, and protection-order situations. When the statute applies and the required findings are made, the magistrate can impose GPS monitoring and geographic restrictions as conditions of release.
The exact order matters. A defendant should read the written bond conditions rather than rely on a general description given at booking.
What Does the Monitor Track?
A GPS device can report the defendant's location and can be used with exclusion zones or other geographic restrictions. Tennessee law also provides procedures for notifications when monitored defendants violate qualifying GPS-related bond conditions.
The technology does not replace the written court order. The defendant must comply with both the device requirements and every separate bond condition.
Who Pays for the GPS Monitor?
Payment rules depend on why monitoring was ordered and the applicable statute. Tennessee law has specific cost provisions for GPS monitoring in qualifying domestic violence, stalking, and related cases, and the State has also revised rules concerning payment for other pretrial monitoring devices.
A defendant should determine the exact daily, installation, maintenance, and other charges associated with the monitoring order.
What Happens If the Monitor Reports a Violation?
A location violation, tampering allegation, failure to charge the device, or other noncompliance can create serious bond problems. Depending on the order and circumstances, the issue can lead to law-enforcement notification, a bond hearing, additional restrictions, or an effort to revoke release.
If the device appears to malfunction, document the problem and contact the monitoring provider immediately rather than ignoring it.
Can I Go to Work While Wearing a GPS Monitor?
Often a defendant can continue working, but the answer depends on the specific geographic restrictions and schedule imposed. Work, treatment, school, childcare, medical appointments, and travel may need to be coordinated with the provider or addressed through the court.
Do not assume that a legitimate reason for entering a prohibited area automatically excuses a violation.
Can a GPS Condition Be Modified or Removed?
A defendant can potentially ask the court to modify bond conditions, but removal is not automatic. The judge can consider the charge, safety concerns, compliance history, alleged victim, prosecution position, time on monitoring, and other facts.
A strong request should explain why the existing restriction is no longer necessary or why a narrower condition would adequately protect the purposes of release.
Is GPS Monitoring the Same as House Arrest?
No. GPS monitoring can be used to enforce location restrictions without requiring a defendant to remain at home at all times. House arrest is a more restrictive concept.
The written Davidson County order determines whether the defendant has exclusion zones, curfew, home detention, travel limits, or other requirements.
What Should I Do If I Am Ordered to Wear a Monitor?
- Get a copy of the written bond conditions
- Know every exclusion zone and travel restriction
- Keep the device charged
- Follow the monitoring provider's instructions
- Document work and approved travel when appropriate
- Report equipment problems immediately
- Do not contact a protected person through someone else
- Ask counsel before assuming a restriction can be changed
Compliance can matter when the defense later asks the court to loosen conditions or resolve the criminal case.
Talk With a Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer
Kevin Kennedy is a former Davidson County prosecutor who now represents people charged with crimes in Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee. Kevin Kennedy Law Firm offers a free consultation to discuss GPS monitoring, bond conditions, and the underlying criminal charge.
Call Kevin Kennedy Law Firm at (615) 205-7311 for a free consultation.