Hi all, I hope someone can answer some of my questions. My husband will be released to a halfway house in Columbia SC on May 24th. My question is, what are the rules for a/the halfway house. I can't seem to find anything like this online. Also, what are the chances of his getting sent home for home confinement? He will only be in the halfway house for 29 days before being sent home so I have heard stories that they don't want anyone with less than 60 days in taking up a bed and would rather get your money by having you on home confinement. Any advice would help.

Thanks

He will most likely not go to home confinement before his 29 days are up. He must get a job and go on at least one home pass before home confinement.

The rules for the halfway houses vary.

What exactly is home confinement? They can't leave the house? How are they supposed to work? My lawyer will be asking for a split sentence, involving home confinement.

Lucky lucky you! I only wish our attorney had asked for it. At the time, I had a 6 month old baby. Home confinement is exactly what it sounds like - they are only allowed so far out of the house EXCEPT for work, doctors appointments and such. You have to report/ask for permission to go/do anything and if it's not something such as I've listed, you will be told no. I think the home monitoring device reaches 150 feet which he may or may not have to wear constantly. If he doesn't, you will have to have a land line phone that they can call and check up on him and from what I understand, they call at all parts of the night. Good luck to you!



What exactly is home confinement? They can't leave the house? How are they supposed to work? My lawyer will be asking for a split sentence, involving home confinement.

Well, my attorney will ask for it, doesn't mean we'll get it! If we get a split sentence, I think I might explode in happiness.

My thoughts exactly. That would have to be heaven. Oh well - atleast my husband only got a year and a day - which means he will serve 10 1/2 months. Thankfully it's almost over - halfway house next month and home 29 days after! Woo Hoo!Well, my attorney will ask for it, doesn't mean we'll get it! If we get a split sentence, I think I might explode in happiness.

Hello there...been doing a lot of research on home confinement for weeks!!! The 'bracelet' works for about up to 100 feet!!! and from what I hear the box is attached to a land-line telphone that cannot have call waiting, call forwarding, conference calls, etc...and cannot have a portable hand set attached to it...so that should answer that question...also, you can go to work, church, school, community service, shopping, dr's appointments, even some personal visits....but it all has to be approved by your case worker...you must keep a journal of all your daily activities....you must be there to answer the phone between 2am and 3apm every night....you must allow drug and alcohol tests without advanced warning...and your home, car, work enviornment can be searched at any time....you can't use alcohol at all!!! and of course no illegal drugs....but the most important thing my research found is that the case workers want the program to be successful!!! They will work with you not against you...good luck...(me too, cause I'll be one of the guys on home confinement...)
Eddri

I just finished five mos of home confinement. Eddri's research is pretty much correct. You fill out an itinerary a week ahead of time that accounts for your every move - most things you will ask to do will probably be approved - even family functions were no problem for my case manager once he saw that I was never, ever late for a "spot check" (when they call you at home or work - and they DO call). Be very, very specific about where you will be and when, because if you work late for example and don't call them first - you're out of bounds and it's a huge problem. Also, even on HC you cannot have a cell phone - that's a BOP rule - so they do search your car and I believe can search your house. My case manager was very decent and easygoing so I had no issues with my home confinement, but I also followed the rules carefully. Make sure you document everything you do very specifically - I knew someone who almost got violated because she was never told how to sign out correctly and missed a spot check. Be very specific in what you tell them you are doing and then do just that, and you'll be OK. Oh! almost forgot - all bop clients are subject to a 9 p.m. curfew - the ONLY thing you are allowed to break the curfew for is work. they call you anytime you say you will be home (or at work) so that means morning, noon and night. You still do pay subsistence while on HC, you still have to turn in a budget sheet and banking info each week, maintain savings acct, etc.

My experience was almost the same as former-fed and Eddre. I was allowed a cell phone to work and back. I did not have a PO that waived any of the rules, that was OK because I was very careful not to break any of them. I did not get calls at odd or late hours. I think that might be because I had an ankle bracelet. I was allowed once in 5 months to go to dinner with a relative that came in from out of town. The time was spent, working, a few errands each week, I was denied going to church because I had not gone before. Other than that no difference from what's been posted. It was certainly much better than the alternative. LOL

this is so helpful, you can't imagine....I'm so tired of doing the 'research' that the sentence is going to seem like nothing, lol...thanks for all the info...(and since I've been a good catholic boy all of my life...I'm going to be allowed to go to mass....thank heaven, lol..)
Eddri

Eddri, good for you, Church outing is good for the spirit and yes the soul.

Hello Martha...I'm getting some conflicting information that some folks on home-confinement have even been allowed some 'personal time' to visit with family etc....have you heard of this??? Also, I'm wondering if the sentence for home confinement ever gets reduced...like by doing community service, etc??? Can you help??

I don't know about community service to reduce your time. I have never heard of a reduction of time at all. That said, who knows anything is possible. Sorry that I wasn't more of a help. I did not get any time to visit with family, except for them coming to visit me at home. I had a very strict EMPO and I was confined to home except for the outings I posted above. I remember that when I was being set up with the ankle monitor a man in the same room asked about holiday events and our PO said "do not even bother to ask,the answer is NO". So, with that said I never asked for anything other than what I knew were allowable events.

FWIW, my husband was only allowed to come home on home confinement after he PRE-PAID his 25% through his release date.

Nevermind that he might have gotten a substantial pay raise or a new job, or lost his job, or whatever...it's all about the money.

thanks everyone..and martha2 I really 'hear' you when you say it's best not to even 'ask'. no sense it getting anyone's feathers in an uproar...will just do what's expected and not complain...don't plan on making matters any worse than they have to be...
but it does surprise me that no one seems to know anything about a home confinement sentence being reduced....I mean if you get sentenced to one year 'inside' you certainly have the potential of serving less time for 'good behaviour' etc...so why not the same thing with home confinement?? anyway...it will all become clear enough when it happens..
thanks so much for your help...I really appreciate hearing from everybody...
Peace..
Eddri

Probably makes to much sense, BOP does not operate along those lines! LOL

Eddri and Martha, you don't mention living with anyone. Anybody with a spouse do home confinement?

I did 6 months Home Confinement...and it was actually a breeze. My PO had me set up with the anklet...the big device that plugs into your land line and thats it. I never heard it ring once...its all silent.

I was allowed a cell phone...allowed to have people over until whenever (and did). I gave him my anticipate 7 day schedule up front and that was that. I worked mon-fri 8a-6p and my curfew was at 9pm. Saturday and Sunday are what sucked. Saturday were my "shopping/visiting mom" days and I was allowed out from 12noon to 5 on Saturday. Sunday was lock down.
I never haad them searchg my car or house...my PO just gave it a once over and that was that. I could have had a spouse...but i was single at the time.

Hope that helps

Hello Fedlevel....great posting..thanks for all the info....please excuse my newbie-ness but what did you mean by Sunday was lock down day?? does that just mean you couldn't go out of the house??? also, you said you worked from 8am to 6pm and curfew was 9 pm....what did you do between 6pm and curfew??? glad it went so well for you...you must have a great attitude....you sound so up=beat....
thanks for the help..
Eddri

was allowed a cell phone...allowed to have people over until whenever (and did). I gave him my anticipate 7 day schedule up front and that was that. I worked mon-fri 8a-6p and my curfew was at 9pm. Saturday and Sunday are what sucked. Saturday were my "shopping/visiting mom" days and I was allowed out from 12noon to 5 on Saturday. Sunday was lock down.
I never haad them searchg my car or house...my PO just gave it a once over and that was that. I could have had a spouse...but i was single at the time.
Well I can already tell ya that this will not happen in Toler while you are on home confinement. You have to have home set up and there is no movement. You can have friends and family over tho. And your car has to be approved before you get HC. You can live with spouse or girlfriend as long as address is approved and you have second line in the home for contact calls.

hello aldanow...just saw your question about living with 'anyone'...yes, in my state you can live with someone or family.....my sweetie will remain in florida while i'm 'serving' the home confinement sentence in another state...bummer....so my loss and punishment will be two-fold....but hey, it's better than being locked up....
thanks for the question....good luck out there.
Eddri

Hi all, I hope someone can answer some of my questions. My husband will be released to a halfway house in Columbia SC on May 24th. My question is, what are the rules for a/the halfway house. I can't seem to find anything like this online. Also, what are the chances of his getting sent home for home confinement? He will only be in the halfway house for 29 days before being sent home so I have heard stories that they don't want anyone with less than 60 days in taking up a bed and would rather get your money by having you on home confinement. Any advice would help.

Thanks

Once you get some info on Columbia, will you pass it on to me. I think that is where my husband will be heading in June and I would like to know as much as possible about it. Thanks.

Hi all, I hope someone can answer some of my questions. My husband will be released to a halfway house in Columbia SC on May 24th. My question is, what are the rules for a/the halfway house. I can't seem to find anything like this online. Also, what are the chances of his getting sent home for home confinement? He will only be in the halfway house for 29 days before being sent home so I have heard stories that they don't want anyone with less than 60 days in taking up a bed and would rather get your money by having you on home confinement. Any advice would help.

Thanks

Once you get some info on Columbia, will you pass it on to me. I think that is where my husband will be heading in June and I would like to know as much as possible about it. Thanks.

Hello Fedlevel....great posting..thanks for all the info....please excuse my newbie-ness but what did you mean by Sunday was lock down day?? does that just mean you couldn't go out of the house??? also, you said you worked from 8am to 6pm and curfew was 9 pm....what did you do between 6pm and curfew??? glad it went so well for you...you must have a great attitude....you sound so up=beat....
thanks for the help..
Eddri

Well...on the weekdays after work...I had an hour commute...which got me in town around 7pm...but they gave me an extra hour or 2 (until 9pm) just in case i had to work late.

And yes...Sunday was my lock down day...I was in basically in from 5pm Saturday...until I went to work that Monday morning.

See...most of the time on HC...Saturday is lockdown...Sunday is for religious services...groceries...fam etc...

I do not attend church etc...so I asked for Sunday to be my "restricted" day.

Again...I think I got lucky...bc Ive not heard of anyone elses HC like mine. I had a job out the gate...had a house...was already established...and did pretty well whilst on pre-trial. That might have made a difference. However...I dont think any rules were "bent" in my case...thats just how Jersey does it...at least my area.

Biggest complaint was paying that damn fee for the equipment charge...that really really ate at me for some reason.

Oh...I had to do exactly 6 months to the hour too.

:eek: Well, I got mine on today and for the next 8 months will have this nice piece of electronic attached to my ankle. (I understand that it is supposed to be tight, but damn.) I am up at 3:30am becuase I keep tossing an turning with it there. I guess it takes time to get used to it.

My PO is OK. I could tell he is by the book which is fine. I have 150' which is the maximum they are allowed to give. I have a home office so I don't have much of a reason to go anywhere, but he gave me 15 hours during the weekdays to do work errands if needed and 5 hours on Saturday. Sunday is my Lockdown day. (I said I wanted that since I can watch Sports all day and don't really go to church except for Christmas and Easter)

He said he will be out to my house next month (he even told me the date and time) and that was about it. If I have a schedule change, I should try to give him 24 hour notice, and if an emergency, I should call as soon as I can. Other than that, seems pretty reasonable compared to the alternative. My wife seems to think it is funny (to an extent) that I am now under her mercy if I need anything from anywhere. I plan on just doing what I am supposed to, and get this over as soon as possible and out of their system.


Thanks for letting me yap.

Is that what he told you 150' mine told me 50' buit i know better than that LOL

Yes. We did it in his office and he called them on speaker phone and I heard every word said and they asked him the range and he said 150 feet, that is the maximum we are authorized to give. The monitoring company lady said that is correct and then she asked about an audio signal and he said no, just the light signal. (I have no idea what the hell that means, as this is all new to me) but I have yet to get a call and I have been all over the house just to see and nothing has happened yet. I have not ventured out into the yard yet, but I did go out the back door by the deck to get firewood and nothing happened. I guess I will know if I get a call.

:eek: Well, I got mine on today and for the next 8 months will have this nice piece of electronic attached to my ankle. (I understand that it is supposed to be tight, but damn.) I am up at 3:30am becuase I keep tossing an turning with it there. I guess it takes time to get used to it.

Thanks for letting me yap.

Congrats!!! That means today is the first day of putting the whole experience behind you!

I feel ya on the 3:30am factor. That thing is tiiiiight isnt it!?!?!? It took me 7-10 daze until I had no idea it was on there. Had to sleep with a pillow in between my knees so my ankles didnt hit during the night.

YOUR WIFE OWNS YOU FOR 7 MONTHS AND 29 DAZE

Yeah FED26, she does. Kind of goes back to the ol' saying you don't know what you've got till it's gone. Any other day, I would not have needed a damn thing, but yesterday, (probably because I knew I couldn't go anywhere,) I needed everything that I didn't have. I think I will takes advice from a post I saw on here once and get a hobby. : )

I did finally venture outside and it seems I can go anywhere in my yard so far. I went all over just to test to see if the little light changed, (I have no idea if it will if I go to far) but not once did it flicker. I did not get any calls either, so I guess I am safe there.

The tightness factor is a real issue though. During the day, it seems to be tighter and at night, looser. (might be the temperature change) I was able to sleep a little last night but still tossed and turned.

Finally, after rambling on and on, I do have a question or two to anyone who has ever had this. My wife has a tanning bed downstairs. (I am noticing things in the house I really never gave much thought too.) Has anyone ever tried to use one with this nice piece of jewlrey on? I guess I could try it, but wondering if it will screw it up. Also, when they give you 8 months, is it a true 8 months on this device or is there a option of early release off of it or does it just depend on the PO? Not complaining, just happy about this, instead of behind a wall, just curious.

Thanks gang.

Yeah FED26, she does. Kind of goes back to the ol' saying you don't know what you've got till it's gone. Any other day, I would not have needed a damn thing, but yesterday, (probably because I knew I couldn't go anywhere,) I needed everything that I didn't have. I think I will takes advice from a post I saw on here once and get a hobby. : )

I did finally venture outside and it seems I can go anywhere in my yard so far. I went all over just to test to see if the little light changed, (I have no idea if it will if I go to far) but not once did it flicker. I did not get any calls either, so I guess I am safe there.

The tightness factor is a real issue though. During the day, it seems to be tighter and at night, looser. (might be the temperature change) I was able to sleep a little last night but still tossed and turned.

Finally, after rambling on and on, I do have a question or two to anyone who has ever had this. My wife has a tanning bed downstairs. (I am noticing things in the house I really never gave much thought too.) Has anyone ever tried to use one with this nice piece of jewlrey on? I guess I could try it, but wondering if it will screw it up. Also, when they give you 8 months, is it a true 8 months on this device or is there a option of early release off of it or does it just depend on the PO? Not complaining, just happy about this, instead of behind a wall, just curious.

Thanks gang.

I went tanning with it...I beat mine the F**k up. I was just told...no hot tub.

I did 6 months to the damn hour...no exagerration. Good chance you will get the full. But at 3 or 4 months...you can start gettin better weekend hours etc...depending on your HC officer.

Well, I have accomplished my first week with the EM bracelet on. Not much to report other than it sure does take getting used too. Have not heard from the PO at all. I was able to go just about anywhere on my property, (I even had to hang Christmas lights on the roof as I was told too by the new "boss" of the house) and even worked on my tractor. I did notice that the light on the box changes color when I leave and return during my out of the house time. So other than the tightness factor of this thing, and looking goofy when wearing shorts, it has not posed much of a problem. Hope you all have a good holiday and will talk with you soon.

It will not be bad. I did the whole 5 months down to the hour. I got use to the "thing" after awhile and didn't even notice it that much. I hope your holiday is wonderful too.

Well, I have accomplished my first week with the EM bracelet on. Not much to report other than it sure does take getting used too. Have not heard from the PO at all. I was able to go just about anywhere on my property, (I even had to hang Christmas lights on the roof as I was told too by the new "boss" of the house) and even worked on my tractor. I did notice that the light on the box changes color when I leave and return during my out of the house time. So other than the tightness factor of this thing, and looking goofy when wearing shorts, it has not posed much of a problem. Hope you all have a good holiday and will talk with you soon.

Penndac...hows things goin bro?

Hey 26. Honestly, so far, it has not been much of an issue. I did have my PO come by last Friday (scheduled) and after a tour of the house, he left just that quick. (my dog about ate him for lunch too when he went to pet him. We have a Pit Bull) He did want to see my financials becuase of my company and I gave him my most recent copies from my Accountant and that satisfied him. I think my house kind of took him by shock as my wife (and now I) have the time to keep it spotless, and we have several non-traditional items in the house. (tanning bed, game room, small tv theater, etc.) Anyhow, I had to get used to the bracelet and still at times it reminds me it is there (especially when my ankles seem to swell) but for the most part, it has not been much of an issue. I of coarse have to follow certain time schedules, but when he was out here, he said, we haven't heard a peep from you so I wanted to make sure you were still alive.

As for what I do now, during slow work times, I decided to try my hand at woodworking, and that ended as fast as it started. (we ran out of band-aids) So now I am trying to cook all kinds of wierd shit, (and I am not a vegetarian) and I am sure after my wife's first time of getting sick from the hot ass spices I am trying (you can acutally order a hot sauce called "kick ass hot sauce" off the internet) that will end, so I just need to find my niche to keep down my boredom.

My wonderful family has all agreed my house will be the host of our Christmas so we are prepping for that. My family and my wifes family together are like the Hatfields and McCoys. So I had to tell everyone I cannot have the Law out here so everyone needs to get along.: ) I will keep you updated.

For those who have the opportunity to get this rather than the other, I can tell you that as long as you can abide by the rules, you will be fine. This is much better than the alternative and believe me, it is well worth it.
For those of you who have loved ones inside, I can tell you that letters, cards and just reassurance of love will be their best Christmas presents, and although you will be physically without them, there is one thing the BOP can't screw with and that is there memory and spirit.

Anyhow, that is about it. I am actually caught up on all the "honey do's" and my wife is finally getting tired of me here so she is Christmas shopping for whatever she thinks she should most of the day and I work. My daughter and I spend a lot of time building whatever she wants (lego's) and I cannot ask for anything better. I actually feel that this has kind of rekindled some things I need to fix family related and although a pain in the ass dealing with these people, doing thier reports, paying the $$, I am doing good and I appreciate you asking.

Stay in touch and I hope and pray all of you and your loved ones have a Happy Holiday, or as Happy as it can be. If anyone ever wants to talk, don't hesitate to shoot me a message.

Penndac

been on home confinement for over 1 year not too bad not allowed much out time cant find a job, and I am SS to land unknown on 07Jan08. PO is not a bad guy and even recommended SS instead of taking me into custody at sentencing. I havent had any infractions except walking to far into my back yard which is out of the 150 feet range you are given Keep Praying Beau

Everything above is pretty much what I have been told. Except for family visits once he comes home from the hwh onto hc. It is up to the federal PO when he gets to leave hwh to start hc. We were told absoulty not (about family visits, etc...) Dr. appts, church, work. Thats it. And if his GPS sends signal that he is out of bounds, they will be there to pick him up. He is not even allowed to my house and I have his children, in his PSR, and have been with him for 13 years. After a month he is allowed a 4 hour pass to go out to eat, to my house, or another approved site. From what I understand the time on hc will not be cut and must be finished out until is full 85% is complete. But I guess being on hc is better than being in the hwh or prison. So we will take what we can get for now. I will be glad when it is all over. I hope you find all of your answers. Ive search for the last two years and am learning the system as we go. But VA is really strict compared to others from what I hear.