SCRAM (secure continuous remote alcohol monitoring) bracelets are becoming more and more widely used in jurisdictions across the state and within Los Angeles County. This bracelet provides continuous monitoring for alcohol consumption, around the clock, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Courts are using these bracelets in great frequency when it comes to high-risk offenders, repeat DUI offenders, and people with other types of alcohol-related offenses on their records.
The fallout of a repeat DUI can be catastrophic to the accused’s life. If you are facing a DUI charge, contact our Los Angeles DUI defense attorney right away to determine the best strategy in your case.
SCRAM bracelets are worn around the ankle, much like home confinement or monitoring anklet. The bracelet is equipped with sensors that detect the presence of alcohol in the wearer’s sweat. These bracelets are seen as an alternative to the popular ignition interlock device (IDD) that is sometimes mandated to be outfitted on an offender’s vehicle. Most SCRAM bracelets test the wearer’s alcohol levels hourly. The device then reports the results back to a regional monitoring center through a modem. Should the wearer’s results indicate alcohol consumption, authorities are immediately notified.
Judges and prosecutors typically order the use of a SCRAM bracelet as a condition of an offender’s probation, parole or early release following a conviction for a DUI charge. Usually, only repeat DUI offenders are required to submit to wearing a SCRAM bracelet, but this is not always the case. It has been a long-standing practice for judges to tell those convicted of DUI that they are not permitted to drink alcoholic beverages after their release. Those offenders would have to submit to frequent check-ins with probation and parole officers to test for alcohol use. SCRAM bracelets are providing a less cumbersome method to keep an eye on alcohol consumption around the clock, no check-ins required. In this way, the SCRAM bracelet ensures compliance with the court’s mandate not to drink while putting a lesser burden on those tasked with testing the offender regularly.
If the wearer of a SCRAM bracelet tests positive for alcohol use, then this may be considered a violation of probation or parole. The person can be returned to jail to serve out the rest of their sentence. At this point, false positives with SCRAM bracelets are not unheard of, and thus it is the job of the defendant and his attorney to prove that the bracelet has malfunctioned or was otherwise erroneous.
Being charged with a DUI, whether it is your first or your third, is a scary and stressful experience. DUI convictions can bring with them a serious consequence that affects your future in profound ways. Your very liberty and freedom are at stake. You need a qualified and experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney by your side. Our compassionate and dedicated team at Okabe & Haushalter are ready to provide competent defense against your drunk driving charge. Contact us now to set up a free case consultation with our team at 310-543-7708.
