If you’ve recently been arrested for DUI in Palm Beach County, you might be wondering if there’s a way for the court to monitor your alcohol intake; after all, there’s no law against drinking if you’re 21 or older. But in the eyes of the law, a DUI arrest shows irresponsibility and the potential to endanger others’ lives. There are times when it makes sense to monitor a DUI defendant’s alcohol use from afar. With SCRAM devices, judges can be alerted when DUI defendants drink. If the court orders you to wear one, your drinking will be under constant supervision.
“SCRAM” stands for “Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring,” and the technology is used in alcohol-monitoring ankle bracelets that detect and report the wearer’s alcohol consumption. These devices are part of broader alcohol monitoring systems that continuously monitor blood alcohol content (BAC) via transdermal testing, providing real-time data to monitoring centers to ensure compliance with court orders. Depending on the facts of your DUI, you may be required to wear one before the case would go to trial through a decision to take a plea, and therefore, no trial would be necessary; or if no plea is taken, then after your case would go to trial.
What is SCRAM Monitoring?
SCRAM Monitoring, or Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring, is a technology designed to keep track of an individual’s alcohol consumption around the clock. This system is often court-ordered for DUI offenders to ensure they adhere to sobriety requirements as part of their probation or parole conditions. By continuously monitoring alcohol intake, SCRAM devices help the court enforce compliance and promote responsible behavior among DUI offenders.
SCRAM Stands for Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring
SCRAM Monitoring is a sophisticated technology used primarily in DUI cases to ensure individuals comply with court-ordered sobriety requirements. This continuous monitoring system is a crucial tool in managing and reducing alcohol-related offenses, providing courts with a reliable method to track an offender’s alcohol consumption.
A Device that Monitors an Individual’s Alcohol Consumption Continuously
The SCRAM device is an advanced alcohol monitoring system that uses a bracelet to continuously test the wearer’s sweat for alcohol levels. This data is then sent to a remote monitoring center, ensuring that the individual remains alcohol-free. The SCRAM device is a critical component in maintaining sobriety among DUI offenders, offering a reliable and non-intrusive way to monitor alcohol consumption.
How SCRAM Devices Work
The SCRAM bracelet is designed to be worn around the ankle, utilizing cutting-edge technology to detect the presence of alcohol through the wearer’s sweat. This device operates 24/7, providing continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with court-ordered sobriety. The SCRAM bracelet is water-resistant and tamper-evident, making it a robust and reliable tool for monitoring. Its discreet design allows individuals to go about their daily activities without significant intrusion while still ensuring any alcohol consumption is promptly detected and reported.
When Will a Court Order Me to Wear a SCRAM Device in a DUI Case?
A SCRAM bracelet may be ordered in cases where the judge wants to prohibit the defendant from using alcohol. This can occur during pretrial hearings and/or after a conviction. SCRAM makes it easy to curb alcohol abuse by simplifying the way the court can monitor defendants before trial or while serving their sentence.
Requiring a defendant to wear a SCRAM device is more cost-effective than keeping them in jail until their trial date. Most DUI offenders are not considered a threat to the community if they’re sober, and it would not be practical to send a probation officer to the defendant’s home to test for alcohol regularly. With a SCRAM ankle bracelet, judges can feel at ease about returning DUI offenders to the community.
Some Judges Order a SCRAM Device Before the Trial
To reduce jail populations and cut down on costs to house inmates, judges may release DUI defendants from jail on the condition that they agree to wear an ankle monitor. Judges can feel confident about their decision to temporarily release offenders because they know with a SCRAM device on them, defendants are much more likely to stay out of alcohol-related trouble and avoid consuming alcohol while their case is pending.
It’s common for judges to order SCRAM devices to be worn during pretrial proceedings by repeat DUI offenders and others they deem to be high-risk.
Wearing SCRAM for Continuous Alcohol Monitoring After a DUI Conviction
The judge may require a defendant to wear a SCRAM device as a condition of probation. These devices continuously monitor a person’s alcohol consumption by measuring perspiration to detect if they have consumed alcohol. Court-ordered DUI programs, which are often part of an offender’s sentence, often rely on these devices to ensure participants’ continued sobriety. More often than not, courts order SCRAM probation conditions for repeat and high-risk DUI offenders.
Who Pays for a SCRAM Ankle Bracelet and Daily Monitoring Fee in a DUI Case?
DUI defendants must pay all costs associated with SCRAM devices, including the cost of installation and daily monitoring fees. The one-time installation cost may be anywhere from $50-$100, while daily monitoring fees can add up quickly at a cost of $10-$15 a day. The daily monitoring fee significantly contributes to the overall expense of using the device, underscoring the financial implications of alcohol monitoring for defendants.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI and are facing the possibility of wearing a SCRAM device, talk to a knowledgeable DUI attorney.
Is It Possible to Modify a SCRAM Device to Avoid Alcohol Detection?
Many people who have been forced to wear SCRAM devices have considered tampering with them. SCRAM devices can detect tampering attempts and send alerts to service providers when they occur.
Some ways people have tried to fool SCRAM bracelets include the following:
- Blocking the skin sensor
- Exposing the sensor to alcohol directly
- Removing the bracelet
When they inform the courts that these attempts were made, judges may perceive them as violating court orders.
Seek Experienced DUI Defense in Palm Beach County
With a strong DUI defense lawyer protecting your rights, it may also be possible to avoid the worst possible consequences of a DUI conviction, including wearing a SCRAM device that checks your alcohol levels around the clock and the potential risk of receiving a jail sentence.
Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel of The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel to discuss your DUI charge. He has provided DUI defense for more than 30 years in Palm Beach County, and his aim is always to achieve the best possible result for every client. He will handle your case using all the knowledge and skills developed over the span of his career. Start with a free consultation today by calling (561) 622-5575. You can also complete an online contact form to learn more.