If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Maryland, you may be wondering if there are alternatives to traditional jail time. One such alternative is home detention—also known as private home detention or electronic home monitoring. This form of supervised release allows eligible individuals to serve part or all of their sentence at home under strict conditions instead of being incarcerated in a jail or prison.
Below, we explain what home detention involves, who qualifies, and how it works in the Maryland criminal justice system.
What Is Home Detention?
Home detention is a form of incarceration that allows individuals to remain in their residence while serving a sentence, usually under 24/7 electronic monitoring. This option is generally more flexible and humane than incarceration and is often used in conjunction with probation, parole, or pretrial release conditions.
The Maryland Division of Parole and Probation oversees many home detention programs, but in some counties—including in Southern Maryland—private companies approved by the court provide the monitoring services. Participants typically wear a GPS-enabled ankle bracelet and must comply with strict curfews and activity restrictions.
Who Qualifies for Home Detention in Maryland?
Eligibility for home detention depends on a variety of factors, including:
- The nature and severity of the offense
- Criminal history of the defendant
- Risk of flight or danger to the community
- Availability of a stable residence
- Approval by the court or supervising agency
Non-violent offenders, individuals with strong community ties, and those with no recent history of probation violations are more likely to be approved. Some counties, like Charles County, may also consider home detention for people charged with DUI, theft, or drug possession, depending on the circumstances.
How Does Home Detention Work?
If the court approves home detention, the defendant will be fitted with an electronic monitoring device—usually a GPS ankle monitor—and must remain within an approved residence except for specific, court-approved activities such as:
- Work or school
- Medical appointments
- Court appearances
- Religious services
Violating the terms of home detention—such as leaving the residence without permission or tampering with the monitor—can result in immediate revocation and incarceration.
Participants are also typically responsible for the cost of the private monitoring service, which can range from $8 to $25 per day.
Benefits of Home Detention
Home detention offers several benefits over traditional incarceration:
- Allows individuals to maintain employment and family relationships
- Reduces overcrowding in jails
- Costs less to the state and the defendant
- Provides a structured environment with accountability
In many cases, home detention can be the difference between keeping a job or losing everything due to time behind bars.
Private Home Detention in Southern Maryland
In counties like Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert, courts sometimes work with private home detention providers. These companies must be approved by the court and meet specific compliance standards.
If you’re considering private home detention as part of a plea deal, sentence modification, or probation plan, your attorney can help you identify eligible providers and advocate for your placement.
Can You Get Home Detention Instead of Jail Time?
Yes—home detention may be ordered instead of jail time as part of a suspended sentence, probation agreement, or even as a condition of release before trial. Judges have discretion in determining whether home detention is appropriate based on public safety, the seriousness of the crime, and whether the individual is likely to comply.
Get Help from a Southern Maryland Criminal Lawyer
If you’re facing a criminal charge in Charles County or anywhere in Southern Maryland, don’t leave your freedom to chance. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you explore alternatives like home detention, negotiate favorable outcomes, and protect your rights every step of the way.
Contact Southern Maryland Criminal Defense today for a confidential consultation and find out if home detention might be an option in your case.
