Function

• House arrest is meant to be a lesser punishment given in lieu of jail time for criminals who have committed crimes that are less serious than others.
  
  

Monitoring Device

• Under house arrest, a person wears an ankle bracelet that monitors movement and sends an electronic signal to make sure that the person stays within the confines of his house.
  
  

Violation

• If a person under house arrest leaves the designated area, the device records the violation and a warrant for the person's arrest is issued.
  
  

Terms

• House arrest rules vary per person and can be arranged so that the person may leave his house for work, doctor visits or community service.
  
  

Penalty

• If a person violates his house arrest agreement, he can be sentenced to jail or be put on probation.