What Is A SCRAM Bracelet?
If you or someone you know has been convicted of a DUI, you may have heard of a SCRAM bracelet. The SCRAM bracelet is a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor. It is an ankle bracelet worn 24 hours/day by an individual convicted of DUI and is designed to test the wearer’s sweat to determine their blood alcohol concentration.
When Do Courts Require A SCRAM Bracelet?
It is rare for a First-time DUI offender to receive an order to wear a SCRAM Bracelet. It is most often used to monitor second and third-time DUI offenders who have been ordered by the court to avoid alcohol as part of their sentence. The SCRAM bracelet is commonly used as a requirement of bail or probation. If the person drinks and the SCRAM bracelet reports a violation, it will be considered a violation of bail or probation and can result in prison time or heavier fines.
How Does The SCRAM Bracelet Measure Alcohol?
The SCRAM Bracelet monitors the offender’s blood alcohol content by sampling perspiration every 30 minutes. Most alcohol is metabolized and expelled through the kidneys. However, a small amount (about 1%) of the alcohol is secreted through sink pores. The SCRAM can detect even this trace amount of alcohol, so it is important for the individual not to drink at all when wearing one.
Who Is Required To Wear a SCRAM Bracelet?
The SCRAM Bracelet is often worn by DUI offenders who are participating in a court-ordered sobriety program, such as DUI school, that requires them to abstain from alcohol.
For How Long Are You Required to Wear a SCRAM Bracelet?
The amount of time that a DUI offender will be required to wear a SCRAM bracelet depends on the seriousness of the DUI offense, whether the person is a repeat DUI offender, and other aspects of the person’s alcohol problem.
What Happens If There is a Violation, or If Your SCRAM Bracelet Is
If the SCRAM Bracelet reports any amount of alcohol in the person’s sweat, or if the bracelet is tampered with or removed, it is considered a violation of the law. The SCRAM bracelet is monitored by a regional center, and after investigation by trained analysts, the violation is reported to law enforcement agents on duty.
Are There False Positives?
SCRAM bracelets can have false positives, and can sometimes be triggered by mouthwash, or even the use of rubbing alcohol. If this happens, the officers that arrive at your location may give you an additional test to check blood alcohol content. Some doctors recommend that people with heart defects or a history of strokes not use SCRAM bracelets.
If the scram device detects alcohol, it generates a graph of alcohol % over time. The monitoring service will have an individual verify that the absorption and expiration rate are within the normal ranges to prevent the occurrences of false positives. They are not always accurate, but the providers are not normally supposed to rely merely on what the computer says – a human verification of same is usually required before it is reported to the Court.
What is SCRAMx?
SCRAMx is a SCRAM bracelet that is used with home incarceration programs. See our article on HIP to learn more. SCRAMx monitors a person’s location in addition to their blood alcohol concentration.
How Much Does The SCRAM Bracelet Cost?
There is a $50-$100 installation cost, and a monthly monitoring fee around $300. In general, the SCRAM bracelet is paid for by the offender, although occasionally, courts may offer financial relief if you can prove that you are unable to pay.
Where is the SCRAM Bracelet commonly used in Kentucky?
The SCRAM Bracelet is utilized in Shelby, Anderson and Spencer Counties, among others.
In Kentucky, there are several authorized providers of the SCRAM bracelet: http://www.scramsystems.com/providers/us/kentucky/
Do I Need An Attorney to Get The SCRAM Bracelet?
No, you do not need an attorney to get the SCRAM Bracelet. But you should certainly consult with an attorney to represent you in your DUI case, especially if it is your 2nd or 3rd offense.
Forman & Associates has over 225 cases amended down, dismissed or acquitted by a jury. Call Larry Forman today at 1-844-4-DUI-GUY or https://larryformanlaw.com/
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