If you are facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania and worried about serving time behind bars, house arrest may be an option worth understanding. This form of alternative sentencing allows certain individuals to serve their sentence within the confines of their own home rather than in a county jail or state prison. The conditions can be strict, and qualifying is not guaranteed, but for those who are eligible, house arrest can mean the difference between maintaining their job, family life, and housing or losing all three.
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our criminal defense lawyers have guided clients through sentencing alternatives in southeastern Pennsylvania for more than 65 years. We understand how judges in Montgomery County, Bucks County, and surrounding counties approach house arrest decisions, and we work to build the strongest possible case for our clients to qualify.
What Is House Arrest in Pennsylvania?
House arrest, sometimes called home confinement or electronic home monitoring (EHM), is a sentence that restricts an individual to their personal residence for all or most of the day. Under Pennsylvania’s intermediate punishment framework, as outlined in Title 37 of the Pennsylvania Code, house arrest may be ordered as a standalone sentence or combined with electronic monitoring to detect and deter violations.
Pennsylvania law permits courts to impose house arrest in a range of criminal matters. It is most frequently used for non-violent offenders, first-time offenders, individuals with strong community ties, and those whose incarceration would result in significant hardship to their families or dependents. The court considers the nature of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and the recommendation of the supervising probation office when deciding whether house arrest is appropriate.
How Electronic Monitoring Works
The most common form of house arrest in Pennsylvania involves electronic home monitoring via an ankle bracelet. The device communicates with a fixed receiver unit installed in the home, continuously verifying the wearer’s location. If the individual leaves the approved residence outside of permitted hours or locations, the monitoring system alerts probation officers, who are authorized to initiate immediate removal to a county correctional facility.
Some jurisdictions in Pennsylvania still use passive monitoring, which involves random automated phone calls to the home to verify presence. In these cases, a landline telephone connection is typically required. Active electronic monitoring through an ankle bracelet is more common and provides real-time location data rather than periodic check-ins.
What Are the Rules and Requirements?
House arrest comes with stringent conditions. Standard requirements in Pennsylvania typically include:
- Confinement to the approved residence at all times except for pre-approved activities
- Pre-approved exceptions for employment, medical appointments, religious services, educational programs, and court-ordered treatment
- Mandatory participation in drug or alcohol testing if ordered by the court
- No use of alcohol or controlled substances not prescribed by a physician
- Prohibition on hosting gatherings at the home
- Regular check-ins with a supervising probation officer
Any violation of these conditions, including leaving the residence without authorization, tampering with monitoring equipment, or failing drug tests, can result in the immediate revocation of house arrest and placement in a county jail or state prison for the remainder of the sentence.
Does House Arrest Count as Time Served?
In many cases, time served on house arrest does count toward the sentence, particularly when it is imposed post-conviction as an alternative to incarceration. However, this is not universal, and the credit given varies by county and by the presiding judge. Consulting with a defense attorney before sentencing is the most reliable way to understand how this will be calculated in your specific case.
How Much Does House Arrest Cost in Pennsylvania?
House arrest is not free. Defendants ordered to participate in electronic home monitoring programs are typically responsible for covering the cost of the equipment and supervision. Costs vary by county program and vendor, but daily monitoring fees in Pennsylvania can range from several dollars to over twenty dollars per day for the duration of the sentence.
Who Qualifies for House Arrest in Pennsylvania?
Eligibility for house arrest is determined on a case-by-case basis. Courts look at the nature and severity of the underlying offense, the individual’s prior criminal record, the recommendation of the presentence investigation report, and the capacity of local monitoring programs. Generally, those with violent criminal histories, active protective orders, or convictions for certain serious offenses will not qualify.
Strong candidates typically include individuals convicted of non-violent misdemeanors or lower-level felonies, first-time DUI offenders who do not qualify for the ARD program, defendants who can demonstrate stable housing and employment, and those who would suffer disproportionate hardship through incarceration. Having an attorney who understands the specific practices of the county court system where the case is pending significantly improves the chances of securing this alternative sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions About House Arrest in Pennsylvania
What is house arrest in Pennsylvania?
House arrest, also called electronic home monitoring (EHM), is a sentencing alternative that confines a person to their home instead of a jail or prison. The court sets specific conditions, and compliance is typically enforced through an ankle bracelet that transmits location data to probation officials in real time.
How long can you be on house arrest in Pennsylvania?
The duration of house arrest corresponds to the underlying sentence imposed by the court. It can range from a few weeks for minor offenses to several years for more serious charges. The length depends on the crime, the defendant’s history, and the terms set by the sentencing judge.
Can you leave your house on house arrest in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but only for pre-approved activities. Permissible exceptions typically include going to work, attending medical appointments, religious services, court-mandated treatment, and educational programs. All departures must be approved in advance, and violations can result in immediate revocation and incarceration.
What happens if you violate house arrest in Pennsylvania?
A violation of house arrest conditions, including leaving the residence without authorization, tampering with monitoring equipment, or failing a drug test, can result in the immediate revocation of the house arrest and the defendant being taken into custody to serve the remaining sentence in a county jail or state prison.
Does house arrest count as jail time in Pennsylvania?
In many cases, yes. Pennsylvania courts often credit time served on house arrest toward the total sentence, particularly when it is imposed as a direct alternative to incarceration. However, the exact credit varies by county and judge, and this should be confirmed with your defense attorney before sentencing.
Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. — Pennsylvania Criminal Defense
A criminal charge does not have to mean time behind bars. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our defense team knows how to identify every available sentencing alternative and present a compelling case to the court on your behalf. We serve clients throughout Montgomery County, Bucks County, and the surrounding communities of southeastern Pennsylvania, drawing on more than 65 years of legal experience to protect your rights and your future.
Contact us at (215) 822-7575 or submit our online contact form to schedule a consultation with one of our defense attorneys.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
August 11, 2026
