GPS Monitoring While on Bond

GPS monitoring is a court-imposed bond condition requiring the defendant to wear an ankle monitor that tracks their location continuously. The data is reviewed by pretrial services or a private monitoring company, and any deviation from approved zones, curfews, or restrictions triggers an alert that can result in bond revocation.

In Ellis County, GPS monitoring is most commonly imposed in family violence cases, repeat DWI cases, sexual offense cases, and certain felony charges where the magistrate determines additional supervision is necessary. The monitor is fitted at a designated facility, usually within a few days of release, and the defendant is responsible for the monthly monitoring fees.

Common GPS conditions include exclusion zones (areas the defendant cannot enter, such as the alleged victim's home or workplace), inclusion zones (places the defendant must remain, such as their own residence during curfew hours), curfews (typically 9pm or 10pm to 6am), and prohibition from leaving the county or state without prior court approval.

GPS monitor tampering — removing the device, blocking the signal, or attempting to disable it — is a separate criminal offense and results in immediate bond revocation. Defendants on GPS monitoring should treat the device as inviolable and immediately contact their attorney or pretrial services if any technical issue arises with the equipment.