Law Would Make it a Felony for Parolees to Cut off GPS Bracelet

Senator Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) has introduced legislation that would make it an automatic felony if a parolee illegally removes his or her GPS tracking bracelet or otherwise tampers with it to make it ineffective. Many parolees, including those that have been convicted of an alleged sex crime or serious gang crime are required to wear the tracking devices on a GPS ankle bracelet. On October 1^st, 2011 the prisoner early release program was enacted in response to a prison system that was overburdened with inmates. The result was "realignment" which was signed into law and many prisoners were granted early release. In the first 15 months after realignment (October 2011 through December 2012) it was reported that nearly 500 parolees tampered with their GPS anklets; this is a 120% increase in the number of parolees tampering with or cutting off their GPS bracelets in the 15 month period prior to the realignment. Talk to a criminal defense lawyer if you have been charged with parole violation or other offense.

Legislation Would Increase Penalties

If adopted into state law, Senate Bill 57 which was introduced in Sacramento on January 7^th of this year would make it a felony rather than a parole violation to tamper with or illegally remove the bracelet. The sentence for this offense would be served in state prison rather than a county jail where the parolee may have been serving his or her previous sentence. Currently, the penalty for the parole violation of tampering with a GPS tracking device is 180 days in county jail. According to Senator Lieu, that full jail time is rarely served due to overcrowding. Since a felony sentence for GPS device tampering will be served in state prison under this bill, full imprisonment time can be served.

Have you been unfairly charged with a crime?

Having to face the criminal justice system can be frightening, especially if you feel you are being unfairly charged. A defense attorney at the law offices of Lessem & Newstat has successfully fought for clients charged with serious crimes. From juvenile crimes and white collar crimes to federal crimes and three strikes law issues, the firm has the experience and expertise to get a positive outcome. Contact the firm now to arrange a time to go over your particular case. It may be possible to avoid a conviction!