What GPS Tracking Means for Texas Bail Clients

 Posted on October 24, 2025 in Bail Bonds

Posting bail in the state of Texas does not necessarily mean that you are entirely "free." Judges across the state are increasingly adding GPS and electronic monitoring as conditions of release. This is especially true in violent offenses, repeat DWI charges, or domestic violence cases. A GPS electronic monitoring device tracks a defendant’s movements 24/7, ensuring that curfews are adhered to and triggering alerts for "restricted" zones.

It is important to understand how electronic monitoring works and who pays for it to ensure you remain compliant while avoiding revocation of your bond. A Collin County, TX bail bondsman from Doc's Bail Bonds can answer all your questions while helping you navigate the bail bond system. As one of the largest and oldest bail bond companies in North Texas, we work hard to ensure your success.  

Why GPS Monitoring is Becoming More Common in Texas

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 17.43, allows electronic monitoring as a condition of bail, but the Damon Allen Act (Senate Bill 6) expanded judicial discretion over pretrial conditions. Public safety concerns have essentially driven the expansion of the use of GPS electronic monitoring, particularly for domestic violence, DWI, and stalking charges. Some of the largest Texas counties that have adopted pretrial services programs with electronic tracking and other similar services include:

Bexar County Pretrial Services

Bexar County uses GPS tracking and alcohol monitoring as a condition of release for certain defendants. The office provides information to the court that is meant to assist with release decisions and supervises defendants to help ensure compliance and public safety.

Dallas County Pretrial Intervention Program

The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office has a Pretrial Intervention (PTI) program for some first-time offenders that may involve a contract with specific conditions. Although the program is focused on intervention, a defendant’s conditions of release can include electronic monitoring.

Harris County Pretrial Services

Harris County Pretrial Services frequently uses electronic monitoring to supervise defendants released on bail. The county uses electronic monitoring to make the process more efficient while streamlining the supervision process.

How Does Electronic Monitoring and GPS Work for Pretrial Defendants?

GPS ankle monitors use GPS signals, cell towers, and wi-fi to track a person’s location 24/7. The device is waterproof, non-removable, and shock-resistant, and is worn on the ankle. GPS ankle monitors are used to enforce curfews and exclusion zones. The ankle monitors have anti-tampering features that alert monitoring agencies if the device is removed or tampered with.

Radio-frequency monitoring does not provide continuous location tracking, but is used to verify that an individual is within range of a stationary receiver installed at the approved residence for house arrest. The SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (CAM) bracelet is a specialized ankle monitor for defendants out on bail for DWI offenses. The device automatically tests the wearer’s perspiration for the presence of alcohol vapors every 30 minutes, 24.7.

Other types of electronic monitoring include voice recognition (VR) technology that uses computerized phone calls to an individual’s approved residence to verify their presence and is sometimes used for low-risk individuals. Some jurisdictions use mobile apps with biometric security features to track defendants.

Financial Responsibility for Monitoring

In most Texas counties, defendants or their families are responsible for paying the costs associated with installation and monthly monitoring fees. The fees range widely, depending on whether the electronic device is provided by the county or a private vendor. In some cases, payment plans can help defendants pay for the devices. Bond companies may also need to verify compliance as a condition of the bond. When a defendant falls behind on paying monitoring fees, this can potentially be a violation of bail conditions.

Contact a McKinney County, TX Bail Bondsman

When you choose Doc's Bail Bonds, you can rest easy, knowing you have chosen a well-respected company. The very best step you can take when you are facing Texas criminal charges is to speak to a highly experienced Collin County, TX bail bondsman who can guide you through the process.

Doc was a professional baseball team manager before becoming the owner of Doc's Bail Bonds. He has built the strongest team possible for his bail bond business, based on his understanding of the rules of the game. Call 214-747-4110 to speak to an experienced Texas bail bondsman.