How to reduce Ankle Monitor restrictions

Certain Ankle Monitor restrictions can be modified or reduced by your supervision officer. Because this type of process does not require involving the court, your request may be granted in a much quicker and more flexible way.

Requesting for less restriction is a good thing for you but it can also bring benefit to your supervision officer. Consider the following positive impacts on both parties.

You:

• More freedom in improving life.
• Gain trust from your supervision officer.
• Construct evidence of responsible behaviors to present to the court.

Supervision Officer:

• Expectation of perfect compliance.
• Shows effort toward improvement.
• Less supervision work.

Of course, it will be best if you can take off the device. Legally removing the Ankle Monitor is possible, however, it usually requires time and effort with a lower success rate. For more details on this topic, please take a look at this article:

What we suggest is to take action requesting less restriction while processing the request to remove the device. This way you will have multiple plans to improve your situation.

1. Follow all existing rules.

Whether you are requesting fewer restrictions or not, you would always want to comply with all your current restrictions. Not following the court-ordered rules can lead to legal consequences that may strengthen your restrictions or, at worst, take you to jail.

Following all rules show you are a responsible person. You want your supervision officer to understand you are trying to improve your life by practicing good behaviors.

If you have questions or concerns about your conditions, do not be shy about asking your supervision officer. It will not only keep you away from trouble but also set a profile that you are proactively being cooperative.

2. Maintain an excellent relationship with your supervision officer.

Your supervision officer has the authority to make certain changes to your restriction conditions. Being on good terms with your supervision officer can greatly increase the chance of your request being granted.

Be respectful, be kind, and most importantly comply with the orders.

In case you do not have a positive relationship with your supervision officer, it is possible to request the court for a different supervision officer. For such a request to be granted you will have to provide proper reasons and evidence.

3. Understand what restrictions may be reduced by your supervision officer.

Supervision officers have the authority to modify certain types of Ankle Monitor restrictions, while the majority of the restrictions are enforced by the court. For example, a request for removing the device can only be granted by a court order.

The authority that the supervision officer has can also depend on many conditions. Each state, division, and role can have different rules. Ask your supervision officer what modifications will he/she considers reasonable.

The following are common modification requests to reduce Ankle Monitor restrictions.

• Permanently extend the curfew schedule.
• Permanently extend the area allowed to access.
• Temporally extend the curfew schedule for a special occasion.
• Temporally extend the area allowed to access for a special occasion.
• Waive the Ankle Monitor fee.
• Upgrade the Ankle Monitor device to a smaller or an advanced model.
• Resize the Ankle Monitor belt.
• Virtual meeting instead of a physical meeting.
• Wear a sock under the Ankle Monitor.
• Temporally remove the Ankle Monitor for medical examination such as MRI and CT scan.

4. Have a reason for your request.

Your request will more likely be granted with a reasonable cause. For example, your job requires you to work overtime outside of your curfew schedule.

Preparing a document that backs the reason can help convince your supervision officer to agree to the request.

5. Kindly approach your supervision officer about your request.

Ask your supervision officer for an occasion to talk about your request. If you already have a set schedule to meet, let your supervision officer that you would like to reserve a time to talk about the request you have.

When you meet your supervision officer, briefly explain your request and provide the reason. Present documents you have related to your request and answer any questions by your supervision officer.

6. Receive the decision.

The decision if your request can be granted or not will be entirely up to your supervision officer. If the request didn't get granted, do not make an argument and comply with the decision.

If your supervision officer verbally grants your request, keep notes of all key points mentioned by your supervision officer. Ask if there is any form that can be filled as an official change. Having a written record of the decision can help you in case of future conflict.

Ask for a suggested way to follow up with the decision in a written manner. An email will be preferred for a faster process.

7. Re-confirm the decision through a suggested communication method.

Compose a message to your supervision officer mentioning that you are following up on the verbal discussion you recently had. Draft your request and your reasons. Only include what you previously discussed with your supervisor officer, otherwise, the request may not be granted. Include any related documents and forms requested by your supervisor officer.

Finally, at the end ask your supervision officer for a response with a confirmation of the decision.

8. Receive the confirmation of the decision.

You must have written confirmation from your supervision officer before taking any actions related to your request. The confirmation letter can be used as evidence if needed.

If you are not receiving a response, kindly remind your supervision officer that you have sent a formal request and waiting for confirmation.