Pima County Jail Home Detention
Call: 520-351-8192
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pima County Jail and courts are allowing home detention in some cases.
Changes to the Pima County Jail Home Detention Program: Understanding the Impact
UPDATED: October 2023
As a dedicated member of the Tucson legal community, it's important for us at AJB Law Firm to keep our clients and the community informed about significant changes in local legal processes. One such change has recently affected the Pima County Jail's home detention program.
Background: The Home Detention Program Since 2020
Since 2020, defendants serving jail time from Pima County Justice Court had the opportunity to participate in a grant-funded home detention program. This program allowed participants to serve 100% of their sentence under home detention, significantly reducing the physical jail population and contributing to a more efficient court system.
The Shift in 2023
However, in October 2023, new management at the Pima County Attorney's Office raised concerns about this program. According to Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) 11-251.15, a sentenced individual must serve at least 20% of their sentence in custody before being eligible for home detention. The Pima County Jail program, as it operated, allowed individuals to bypass this requirement, raising legal and procedural questions.
Current State of the Home Detention Program
As a result of these concerns, the program has been altered. Now, any individual sentenced in Pima County must serve at least 20% of their sentence in a traditional jail setting before they become eligible for home detention. This change marks a significant shift from the previous system and impacts how sentences are served in our community.
Our Perspective and Legal Assistance
At AJB Law Firm, while we understand the legal basis for this change, we also recognize the benefits the original program brought to our justice system and community. The efficiency and humane aspects of home detention cannot be overlooked. Our team is committed to navigating these changes and advocating for our clients' rights and best interests.
If you or a loved one are facing legal challenges that may involve jail time, it's crucial to understand how these changes might affect your case. We encourage you to contact us for personalized legal advice and representation. Our experience in criminal defense and deep understanding of local legal systems position us uniquely to provide the support and guidance you need during these challenging times.
Educating and Empowering Our Community
As part of our commitment to legal education and community empowerment, we will continue to provide updates and insights into such significant legal changes. Stay tuned to our website for more information, and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Requirements:
5 or more days in jail as sentenced; *as of 10/2023- must serve 20% of sentence before being eligible- for a 5 day sentence, this requires 24 hours in jail.
Must begin & end your sentence on a weekday between 9-5 NOTE: this means the end of your 20% must end on a weekday to begin home detention.
No home detention available if you have a violent history, recent/pending assault or weapons charges;
Likely ineligible for home detention if you are on supervised probation in another case;
While on home detention, you must do Blood Alcohol Testing four times a day;
While on home detention, you can work up to 12 hours away from home as long as you receive a paycheck (no cash pay);
Must have a smartphone;
Must reside in Pima County (renting an Air BnB has been approved, but no hotels);
Must show up to home detention sober.
Home detention screening takes 2-3 weeks— please call 520-351-8192 as soon as you know you will accept a plea offer to begin screening. This will ensure you are eligible, and they will ensure you pick an available date. After your plea change, You must attend an orientation BEFORE your report date. All home detention sentences are subject to approval by the Pima County Jail.
Home Detention Pre-Screenings are conducted at Superior Court on the 7th floor by the corrections department. They were previously being done at the jail. The instructions are provided to the defendant by the courtroom clerk at the time of sentencing. If the commitment order allows home detention, the defendant should call right after their hearing to determine eligibility status.
Home Detention is FREE.
Home Detention dates are limited. If you anticipate receiving a sentence that requires jail time, you should check with Melissa Encinas, the Pima County Jail Home Detention coordinator to ensure your report date will work.
At the time of sentencing: Your attorney will ask the Court if home detention is permitted. If the Judge orders home detention eligible, you must still be cleared by the Home Detention program coordinator. Just because a judge says you are eligible, does not mean you will be cleared. Sentences from Pima County Justice Court are “self report”—meaning that you will choose a date and report to the jail at that time. Most Pima County Superior Court judges will allow a self-report, but this is not guaranteed.
