The holidays are here, which means busy schedules, family gatherings, travel plans, and plenty of distractions. For most people, it is the most festive time of the year. For anyone on court-ordered electronic monitoring, it can also be one of the riskiest.
Between travel restrictions, curfews, bond order limitations, and check-ins, November and December bring challenges that can easily lead to violations. The good news is that with the right preparation, you can enjoy the season without jeopardizing your freedom.
Here is what every monitored client and their family needs to know to stay compliant through the holidays.
1. Make a Plan Before the Holidays Begin
Once Thanksgiving week arrives, everything moves faster: work, travel, family time, traffic, and court schedules. Preparing ahead can prevent last-minute decisions that lead to noncompliance.
Ask yourself:
- What are my curfew hours?
- Do I have travel restrictions?
- Am I required to check in on certain days?
- Do I have court dates during holiday weeks?
If you are unsure, contact us! It is always better to ask a question now than deal with a violation later.
2. Travel Carefully or Not at All
One of the most common questions we hear during the holidays is, “Can I travel while on monitoring?”
The answer depends on factors like:
- Your judge’s order
- The level of monitoring you are on
- Your bond conditions
- The destination and purpose of the trip
Some clients can travel with written approval. Others cannot travel at all. Never assume it is allowed. Always confirm before making plans.
Unapproved travel is one of the fastest ways to trigger a violation.
3. Be Careful at Holiday Gatherings, Especially Around Alcohol
If you are on SCRAM, holiday events can be risky. Alcohol exposure, spills, or hidden ingredients can cause problems.
Avoid:
- Drinks or foods prepared with alcohol
- Holiday punches
When in doubt, ask us. It is always better to be cautious!
4. Do Not Miss Check-Ins
Holiday weeks can be distracting, but courts do not slow down when it comes to violations. Missed check-ins, tamper alerts, and curfew issues are all taken seriously.
Make sure you:
- Know your check-in schedule
- Set alarms and reminders
- Keep your equipment charged
- Be aware of traffic conditions and allow enough time to reach your destination before curfew to avoid violations.
A missed check-in during Thanksgiving week can lead to immediate consequences.
5. Avoid Last-Minute Risks
Holiday pressure often leads people to take risks they would not normally consider. Common violations at this time of year include:
- Tampering with the device
- Drinking at a family event
- Missing curfew for any reasons
- Forgetting to check in
- Unapproved holiday travel
Planning ahead is the best way to prevent these issues.
6. Make Sure Your Family Understands Your Restrictions
Many holiday violations happen because family members do not understand the rules you must follow. A quick conversation can prevent misunderstandings.
Talk to them about:
- Curfew
- Travel limits
- Alcohol restrictions
- Check-in requirements
- Any home confinement conditions
Your support system should help you stay compliant, not accidentally put you at risk!
7. When in Doubt, Call Us
Holiday plans can get complicated, and unexpected things happen. If anything feels uncertain, call us before it becomes a violation.
We can help you:
- Review your conditions
- Clarify travel rules
- Avoid preventable mistakes
- Stay home with your family for the holidays
We are here to support you.
A 2nd Chance Monitoring Is Here to Help
You deserve a holiday season filled with peace and stability. Compliance does not have to be stressful when you have the right information and support.
If you have questions about holiday travel, curfews, or general monitoring rules, reach out anytime. We are here to help you stay on track.
