Can my boss fire me because of an ankle monitor? (2024 Legal Answers)
Maybe you’re thinking, can my boss fire me because of an ankle monitor? Legal assistance for these cases can cost around $100 per month. If the ankle monitor is tied to criminal charges, employers can legally terminate you unless protected by a contract or specific anti-discrimination laws.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
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UPDATED: Oct 3, 2024
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We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes and legal advice should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
UPDATED: Oct 3, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes and legal advice should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
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Unless you have a written employment contract protecting your employment, you are an employee at will, which means you may be terminated for any reason–including wearing an ankle monitor.
It’s not that the law states explicitly that an ankle monitor is grounds for termination. Instead, “everything” and “anything” are grounds for termination in this country unless you have a contract prohibiting your employer from terminating you for that reason or the reason is one specifically made illegal. That’s because employment in this nation is “employment at will”: you have a job only so long as it is your employer’s “will,” or choice, that you have one. Generally, you can be terminated for any reason, including something as silly and irrelevant as disliking “Game of Thrones” when your boss is a GOT fan.
The protection afforded by a contract is pretty straightforward. If you have a written employment contract for a definite term (e.g., a one-year contract) that is still in effect and which states you can only be fired during that period for specific defined reasons, then unless “ankle monitor” or “criminal conduct” is one of those reasons, you cannot be terminated for it.
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If an employer violates a written employment contract, the employee can sue for “breach of contract” for a court order requiring the employer to obey the contract and/or for monetary compensation. If you are not protected by a contract, then the only restrictions on terminating you are that you cannot be fired for specifically defined discriminatory reasons, the main ones of which are that you cannot be fired due to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age over 40.
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However, having a criminal record, being charged with a crime, or wearing an ankle monitor are not protected reasons on a national level (that is, federal law does not prohibit terminating someone for one of these reasons) or in any state at this time (September 2017).
While it’s worth double-checking your particular state’s law to see if your state does bar employment discrimination due to a criminal record or criminal charges (which would very likely also bar termination due to wearing an ankle monitor), it is very unlikely that it does. U.S. employment law gives employers a very wide latitude to terminate people for anything connected with criminal activity, which would include the wearing of an ankle monitor.
Case Studies: Employment and Ankle Monitors
Case Study 1: Absence of Employment Contract
Lisa wears an ankle monitor as part of her court-ordered condition. She informs her employer about the situation, but her employer decides to terminate her employment, stating that they do not allow employees to wear ankle monitors. Since Lisa has no written employment contract protecting her job, her employer can legally terminate her for wearing an ankle monitor.
Case Study 2: Job Termination for Security Reasons
John wears an ankle monitor while on probation. Due to security concerns, his employer discovered this and terminated his employment. John’s employer can terminate his employment without an employment contract or legal protection for individuals wearing ankle monitors.
Case Study 3: Employment Contract Safeguarding Rights
Sarah is currently wearing an ankle monitor due to court-ordered conditions. Fortunately, she has a written employment contract stating her employer cannot terminate her solely for having the ankle monitor. Therefore, Sarah’s employer would violate the contract if they tried to fire her for this reason.
Learn more: New York Employment Law: Minimum Wage, Overtime Laws, and Family Leave Entitlement
Summary: Employment Implications of Ankle Monitors
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a job with an ankle monitor?
Yes, it is possible to get a job with an ankle monitor, but it may depend on the employer’s policies and the nature of the job. Some employers might be willing to accommodate your situation, while others may not hire individuals with such restrictions.
Can you work with an ankle monitor during regular hours?
Yes, you can work with an ankle monitor during regular hours, as long as your work schedule does not conflict with the monitoring requirements. You may need to inform your employer about your situation.
Can you go to work with an ankle monitor in a different city?
You can usually work in another city while wearing an ankle monitor. However, obtaining permission from your parole or probation officer in advance is essential, especially if there are any travel restrictions. Understanding the implications of these situations is crucial, particularly considering the recent case of a merchant seaman awarded $25 million in a wrongful termination lawsuit, which underscores the complexities surrounding employment rights and monitoring conditions.
Can you leave the house with an ankle monitor for work?
Yes, you can leave the house with an ankle monitor for work as long as you adhere to any conditions set by your monitoring program and keep your employer informed.
Why would you have two ankle monitors at the same time?
Two ankle monitors may occur when a person is under multiple legal restrictions, such as probation or parole from different jurisdictions.
What are the rules for wearing an ankle monitor in public?
Based on your monitoring agreement, guidelines for wearing an ankle monitor in public usually involve not tampering with the device, following curfew hours, and steering clear of restricted areas. This is important to understand, especially if you’re wondering, whether the life insurance medical exam includes testing for specific health conditions. Knowing these regulations can help you navigate your situation more effectively.
What happens if your ankle monitor falls off while at home?
If your ankle monitor falls off at home, notify your monitoring agency or parole officer immediately. Failing to report it can lead to legal consequences.
Who is required to wear ankle monitors in the justice system?
Individuals on probation, parole, or under house arrest may be required to wear ankle monitors as part of their supervision to ensure compliance with their legal conditions.
Why do people wear ankle monitors instead of serving jail time?
Individuals wear ankle monitors as a substitute for incarceration, enabling them to keep their jobs, stay connected with family, and retain a sense of normalcy in their daily routines while under supervision.
Learn more about soft tissue injury conditions and common causes.
Can I put an ankle monitor on my child for tracking purposes?
Generally, ankle monitors are not intended for tracking children unless mandated by the justice system due to legal issues. Other tracking devices designed for children may be more appropriate.
Can you be on probation without being mandated to use an ankle monitor?
Yes, it is possible to be on probation without an ankle monitor, depending on the court’s conditions and the offense’s nature.
Can you get an ankle monitor for assault charges or other offenses?
Individuals charged with offenses such as assault may need to wear an ankle monitor as a condition of their bail, probation, or parole. It’s important to understand how these legal measures connect to the question of whether someone can be fired by their employer for filing bankruptcy. This understanding sheds light on the wider implications that legal issues can have on people’s lives.
Can you go to the store with an ankle monitor attached?
Yes, you can go to the store with an ankle monitor, but you must follow any restrictions set by your monitoring agreement, including checking in as required.
Can you go to work on house arrest without an ankle monitor?
Typically, if you are on house arrest, you will be required to wear an ankle monitor as part of the supervision to ensure compliance with the terms of your house arrest.
Can you have visitors on house arrest when wearing an ankle monitor?
You may have visitors while on house arrest, but you should check the conditions of your monitoring agreement, as there may be restrictions on visitors.
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Can you leave the state with an ankle bracelet or monitor?
Leaving the state with an ankle monitor usually requires prior approval from your parole or probation officer, as travel restrictions may exist.
Can you work on house arrest with an ankle monitor requirement?
Yes, you can work while on house arrest with an ankle monitor, provided that your employment is approved and does not violate the conditions of your house arrest.
Do ankle monitors record your location at all times?
Do you get an ankle monitor on probation automatically?
Not everyone on probation receives an ankle monitor automatically; it depends on the nature of the offense and the terms set by the court.
Do you have to charge ankle monitors regularly for them to work?
Yes, most ankle monitors require regular charging to ensure they function correctly, typically needing to be charged every few days.
Do you have to pay for your own ankle monitor if mandated?
Does everyone on probation wear an ankle monitor, or is it selective?
Wearing an ankle monitor on probation is selective; not all individuals on probation will be required to wear one, as it depends on their specific case circumstances.
How do ankle monitors work in tracking movements?
Ankle monitors use GPS or radio frequency technology to track an individual’s movements, sending data to monitoring agencies to ensure compliance with legal conditions.
How do I know if my ankle monitor is recording my location?
How long do you have to wear an ankle monitor before removal?
The duration for wearing an ankle monitor varies based on the terms set by the court or monitoring agency, typically lasting until the completion of a sentence or probation period.
How long does an ankle monitor battery last before needing replacement?
Ankle monitor batteries usually last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours before needing to be recharged, depending on the model and usage.
How much do ankle monitors cost for installation and maintenance?
The costs associated with ankle monitors can vary significantly, with individuals typically facing daily charges of $5 to $15 for monitoring services and upfront installation fees. It is crucial to understand these expenses, particularly when considering whether you must pay your employer back for relocation expenses if you resign due to stress and quality of life issues. Awareness of the financial implications helps shed light on broader systemic problems that can contribute to such situations.
How to cover an ankle monitor while wearing pants?
You can cover an ankle monitor by wearing loose-fitting pants or using clothing designed to conceal the device while still allowing it to function correctly.
How to get an ankle monitor approved by a judge?
To approve an ankle monitor, you typically need to present a request during a court hearing, explaining the reasons and demonstrating your ability to comply with the terms.
How can an ankle monitor be legally removed after serving time?
Ankle monitors can usually be legally removed after serving your sentence or completing the terms of probation, often requiring approval from a supervising officer or the court.
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How can an ankle monitor be hidden discreetly under clothing?
You can hide an ankle monitor discreetly by using clothing with longer hems or layering outfits to conceal the device while ensuring it remains functional.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.