How Does House Arrest Work in Illinois?

A criminal in Illinois may have the option to be placed under house arrest--also known as electronic monitoring, home detention or home confinement--for a portion of his prison term. Although allowed to reside at home, the criminal, still under strict supervision by the state, is far from free.

Monitoring Device

Under Illinois law, one placed under house arrest must wear an electronic monitoring device approved by a supervising authority, such as the Department of Corrections or the Illinois sheriff. The device alerts authorities when the convict is home or not home.

Terms

While under house arrest, a resident of Illinois must maintain an electronic monitoring device on his body, within the home or both, until the sentence is completed. If possible, he must keep a working telephone in the home.

Felons who violate these or any other terms of the house arrest will be charged with a Class C felony.

Serious Crimes

Felons who have committed more serious crimes are not eligible for the privilege of house arrest. Those convicted of criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault or other such sexual crimes are prohibited from serving house arrest.

References

• Justia: Illinois Unified Code of Corrections: Article 8a - Electronic Home Detention
• U.S. Law: House Arrest
• Illinois Department of Corrections: IDOC Eligibility Criteria: Supervised Electronic Detention

Resources

• Univ. of Tampere: "House Arrest and Electronic Monitoring"; Alexandra Than