If you’ve recently been arrested for DUI in West Palm Beach, 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. Depending on the facts of your DUI, you may be required to wear one before, during, and/or after your trial.
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 him or her 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 Trial
To keep down 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 that with a SCRAM device on them, defendants are much more likely to stay out of alcohol-related trouble while their case is pending.
It’s common for judges to order that SCRAM devices be worn during pretrial proceedings by repeat DUI offenders and others they deem to be high-risk.
Wearing SCRAM After a DUI Conviction
The judge may require a defendant to wear a SCRAM device as a condition of probation. 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 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.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI and are facing the possibility of wearing a SCRAM device, talk to a knowledgeable DUI attorney. Brian P. Gabriel of The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel provides free consultations for anyone with DUI charges in West Palm Beach.
Is it possible to modify a SCRAM device to avoid alcohol detection?
Many people who have been forced to wear SCRAM devices have thought about tampering with them. SCRAM devices can detect tampering attempts and send alerts to service providers when they occur. When they inform the courts that these attempts were made, judges may perceive them as a violation of the court’s orders.
Some ways people have tried to “fool” SCRAM bracelets are by:
- Blocking the skin sensor
- Exposing the sensor to alcohol directly
- Removing the bracelet
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.
Contact attorney Brian P. Gabriel of The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel to discuss your DUI charge. Brian Gabriel 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. For a free consultation, call 561-622-5575 or complete a contact form.