SCRAM! Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring
SCRAM! Secure. Continuous. Remote. Alcohol Monitoring.
SCRAM bracelets attach to a person’s ankle and look for the presence of alcohol in sweat. These bracelet programs are a form of continuous alcohol monitoring. In addition, they come with the benefit of not requiring frequent in-person check-ins. Ohio judges order or allow use of a SCRAM bracelet as a condition of parole, probation, or early release of those convicted of driving under the influence. Most often, judges order monitoring for repeat DUI offenders. For a long time, judges have ordered certain DUI offenders not to drink any alcohol, particularly those who have shown a severe problem with alcohol. Sometimes, a SCRAM bracelet is merely an option for the offender instead of in-person testing.
How Does SCRAM Work?
The SCRAM system works by staying in contact with your skin (transdermal) to detect alcohol use. These systems collect data on alcohol consumption over the course of hours to weeks. These transdermal readings are highly correlated with breath alcohol measurements. However, they lag behind breath alcohol levels by one or more hours due to the longer time required for alcohol to be expelled through perspiration. Per your agreement with the court, these reading are monitored remotely by a probation officer.
SCRAM units are frequently employed by a court so that the OVI offender can maintain employment. The system is often used in lieu of jail and in conjunction with treatment plans. In addition, the person subjected to the monitoring system cannot “cheat” or they will be detected. If the monitoring authority detects that there is alcohol being excreted via the skin, they can take immediate action.
Who Pays for SCRAM Bracelets?
In general, the offender pays for alcohol bracelet services. This includes the purchase of (or a deposit on) the bracelet itself, as well as monthly monitoring services. In addition, SCRAM bracelets are not cheap. In some places, the total cost per month can be hundreds of dollars. Offenders who can prove an inability to pay may be able to have their fees covered.
Ask your attorney about the possibility of using remote monitoring in your case.
DaytonDUI says, “I am able to get clients out of significant jail time by putting them on an alcohol bracelet. I don’t know how many jobs we’ve been able to save by getting the person back to work. Frequently, a judge will want to use this to aid in rehabilitation. In addition, we are able to address this issue prior to sentencing.