Yes, they do put people on house arrest while they are on trial. You can be put on house arrest if you are a violent or non-violent offender. This is an alternative to jail or posting bail. Although this can be a very costly alternative, because you have to pay for the ankle monitor, monitoring equipment, and each day that you are on house arrest.

Actually, people that are being tried of both non-violent and violent crimes can be put on house arrest for the duration of their trial instead of being out on bail or sitting in a jail cell. For you to think that is a dumb decision is your opinion, but it is a commonly used practice.