By KPR
Frankfort, KY – Amanda s bill is still under debate in a senate committee. The legislation would allow judges to order GPS tracking devices when domestic violence seems likely. Ernie Lewis with the criminal defense lawyers association expressed several concerns before the judiciary committee. Testimony Thursday indicated judges could order tracking devices in about 20% of domestic violence order cases. Lewis says that number's too conservative.
"They don't want to be the judge that has a headline in the newspaper that says they denied a GPS device and ultimately this woman was harmed or tragically murdered."
For the people who must wear the tracking devices, Lewis says the cost could reach $15,000 over three years. The public advocate says that could slow child support payments and lead to contempt charges. He adds constant monitoring 24 hours a day inside and outside the home also raises some constitutional concerns.