The screening process is started once the EM referral is made by the Court. If the individual is residing in the community, the standard time for installation on EM is one week. For individuals incarcerated in the Allegheny County Jail, the standard time is within 48 hours once the individual has been cleared for release.
For your convenience, listed below are answers to commonly asked questions.
EM fees are based on an individual’s current income and ability to pay. Fee levels start at $1.50 per day. On average, most individuals pay $5 per day. All individuals have the option of establishing a payment plan. Individuals are not turned away due to an inability to pay.
The range of EM equipment varies based on a number of factors. Individuals are not to leave their residence unless authorized to do so by the probation officer.
Probation officers work seven days a week and may conduct a field visit to your residence, work site, or treatment facility at any time. Individuals may also be required to report to the probation office in person.
All individuals under supervision are subject to random urine screening. The Court may also order regular urine screening on a case-by-case basis.
The supervising judge and probation officer will determine if an individual is permitted to leave his or her residence. Generally, individuals are permitted to leave their residence for work, school, religious services, and medical appointments.
Per statute, certain individuals are prohibited from serving a sentence on EM. See 42 Pa.C.S.A § 9801 “Eligible Offender.”
All individuals under supervision are provided with a copy of the general rules of supervision. The Court may also add specific stipulations on a case-by-case basis. All individuals are expected to abide by the general rules of supervision and any Court imposed stipulations during the period of supervision.
An arrest while under supervision is considered a violation and may lead to a probation detainer in the Allegheny County Jail. Individuals convicted of a new crime while under supervision may be returned to Court and face revocation, which could lead to additional periods of supervision and/or incarceration.
Rule violations are considered technical violations of supervision. Based on the frequency and/or severity of the rule(s) violation, sanctions ranging from verbal admonishment to revocation and incarceration may be imposed.
Per statute, individuals placed on county supervision are required to pay a monthy supervision fee, unless that fee is waived by the Court. See 18 P.S §11.1102.
Individuals are required to advise their probation officer of their whereabouts at all times while under supervision. Generally, relocation within Allegheny County is permitted without restraint, but you must immediately advise your probation officer of your new address. You may not move out of Allegheny County without the prior approval of your probation officer.
Generally, the answer is yes. However, there are federal guidelines that must be met before leaving Pennsylvania. Individuals are not to leave Pennsylvania without written permission from the probation officer.