DUI Monitoring Guide
DUI Ankle Monitoring: Types of Monitoring, Who Orders It, and How Providers Are Selected
An ankle monitor in a DUI case can mean two different things: a GPS device that tracks location or an alcohol device that checks for drinking. Which one applies, and which company provides it, usually depends on the court order and the supervising agency. You generally cannot pick any company on your own.
Quick answer
How Does Ankle Monitoring Work in a DUI Case?
- Some DUI cases use GPS monitoring for location. Others use alcohol-monitoring devices that check for drinking.
- A court, probation or pretrial agency usually orders monitoring and sets the terms.
- Many courts and agencies require an approved or contracted provider.
- A privately arranged device may not satisfy an order unless the court or agency approves it.
Roles
Who Chooses the Monitoring Provider?
Flow from court order to supervising agency, attorney, approved provider, defendant and ETS coordination.
Court
Orders monitoring and terms
Probation / supervision agency
May assign or approve providers
Attorney
May ask to use a specific provider
Approved provider
Installs device and reports
Defendant
Follows the rules
ETS
Coordinates where approved
GPS vs alcohol
GPS Monitoring vs Alcohol Monitoring
GPS devices track location and zones. Alcohol devices test for alcohol, often through the skin. Some people wear one, some both. See Pretrial Electronic Monitoring and Remote Alcohol Monitoring.
Orders
Who Orders Monitoring
A judge may order monitoring as a release condition, a probation term or part of a sentence. California law also allows county home detention programs under Penal Code §1203.016. The agency running the program often sets daily rules.
Selection
Court-Selected, Agency-Approved and Private Providers
- Some courts or agencies use one contracted provider.
- Some keep a list of approved providers.
- Some allow a private provider if approved first.
Fees
Who Pays and What It Costs
Costs and fee rules vary by county, provider and device. Ability-to-pay rules may apply. See GPS Monitor Cost in California.
Legal note
Monitoring terms are court orders. Ask your attorney before changing providers or devices. Ignition interlock rules (Vehicle Code §23575.3) are separate from ankle monitoring.
What ETS can and cannot do
Where Executive Treatment Solutions Fits
ETS can coordinate private alcohol or GPS monitoring and records where the court or agency approves it, and share reports with counsel when authorized.
Responsibilities
Who Does What?
Court
Orders monitoring and its terms.
Supervising agency
Assigns or approves providers and rules.
Defense attorney
Asks the court about providers or changes.
Provider
Runs the device and sends reports.
ETS
Coordinates services and records where approved.
Questions
DUI Ankle Monitors: Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Legal References
Confidential consultation
Monitoring Support You Can Document
ETS can coordinate approved monitoring and records.
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