Following a DUI conviction, SCRAM Bracelets are used to keep track of a person’s blood alcohol levels. “Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring” is referred to as SCRAM. A SCRAM bracelet is often worn on the ankle and measures the amount of alcohol present in the user’s perspiration.
A type of “continuous alcohol monitoring” is done with SCRAM bracelets. SCRAM bracelets give judges and other authorities rapid alcohol level readings rather than forcing the wearer to submit to weekly in-person alcohol testing. The use of SCRAM ankle monitors in conjunction with other monitoring techniques, such as ignition interlock driving devices, is also possible.
Probation authorities can now monitor a criminal’s bloodstream in addition to their physical whereabouts, thanks to modern technology. The SCRAM tether collects a sweat sample every 30 minutes while being fastened to the offender’s ankle. The device sends a warning to staff members at the parole and probation office if alcohol is found in the sample.
SCRAM wristbands with GPS locators are frequently employed for convicts under home arrest. These wristbands’ GPS capabilities enable probation offices and courts to track the offender’s whereabouts and make sure they are not breaking the terms of their home arrest.
SCRAM bracelets are mandatory for offenders, and they must be worn all the time. In addition to alcohol detection, SCRAM devices are made to look for any tampering with the wristband itself. So, the firm that keeps track of the gadget will be informed if someone tries to remove a SCRAM wristband.
The business then informs the court or the probation office about the tampering. In most cases, tampering with a SCRAM bracelet carries serious repercussions for the criminal, such as the termination of probation, jail time, and other such punishments.
When Are SCRAM Bracelets Required?
Repeat DUI offenders and those who may be regular drinkers generally receive SCRAM wristbands. They resemble ankle monitors used for house arrest very much.
A court must determine the appropriate legal repercussions for the offender once they have been found guilty of DUI or other alcohol-related offenses. The judge may occasionally determine that the defendant needs to be barred from ingesting alcohol for a while, say for a few weeks or months. Authorities can keep an eye on the offender’s alcohol consumption during such probationary periods thanks to SCRAM bracelets.
As a result, SCRAM wristbands are frequently used in combination with rehabilitation programs that aim to help offenders change bad drinking habits.
In criminal instances, the defendant must wear the bracelet for a predetermined amount of time, frequently 60 or 90 days. However, as a condition of probation or parole, the offender may occasionally be required to wear a SCRAM monitor for a year or more.
SCRAM bracelets are mandatory for offenders, and they must be worn all the time. In addition to alcohol detection, SCRAM devices are made to look for any tampering with the wristband itself. So, the firm that keeps track of the gadget will be informed if someone tries to remove a SCRAM wristband. The business then informs the court or the probation office about the tampering. In most cases, tampering with a SCRAM bracelet carries serious repercussions for the criminal, such as the termination of probation, jail time, and other such punishments.
How Do SCRAM Bracelets Work?
SCRAM wristbands work by measuring the level of alcohol in a user’s sweat on their skin. The SCRAM bracelet will detect “perspiration alcohol” if the person wearing the anklet drinks alcohol and will electronically notify authorities of the infraction. An alert could also be set off by tampering with the SCRAM wristband, like attempting to take it off.
The private company downloads the SCRAM measurement findings via modem and keeps track of them. The business informs the court if the defendant tests positive for alcohol.
The majority of defendants successfully complete alcohol monitoring, according to the courts. According to studies, wearing a SCRAM bracelet for at least 90 days while receiving alcohol treatment can lower the likelihood that someone who has been convicted of drunk driving will commit another offense.
How Accurate Is the SCRAM Bracelet?
In general, courts have determined that SCRAM wristbands are dependable enough to be admissible into court proceedings and that proof of alcohol intake and tampering is scientifically sound. Therefore, in order to effectively contest SCRAM results, a defendant would probably need to present precise proof that the device was broken.
Over the past fifteen years, the results of a variety of independent field and laboratory testing studies have been reported. As of now, peer-reviewed and published literature has established SCRAM bracelets as reliable and accurate transdermal alcohol monitoring devices.
Additionally, there is little to no evidence in the literature of any false positives in field or laboratory settings. According to one study, SCRAM bracelet false positives mean that a self-reporting mistake was probably committed.
What Happens If a Person Violates SCRAM Bracelet Requirements?
If a judge orders the wearer to wear a SCRAM bracelet, they must fully adhere to all guidelines and regulations. The following repercussions may be imposed if a SCRAM violation occurs:
- Imposition of initial sanctions, including fines and prison term
- Forfeiture of civil rights through alternative sentencing, probation, or parole
- Losing the ability to drive
- Rehabilitative practices, such as required counseling and community service initiatives
Can SCRAM Bracelets Be Challenged?
It is possible to get off SCRAM legally.
There have been numerous arguments made against the reliability of SCRAM bracelet readings. A “false positive” alert occurs when the SCRAM bracelet indicates a violation even if the wearer did not consume alcohol. There have been multiple cases where the SCRAM bracelet submitted an inaccurate reading or produced one.
The defendant may ask the court for a hearing to determine whether a violation occurred if the results of a SCRAM bracelet reading are disputed. They might be able to file a SCRAM bracelet lawsuit and provide documentation or witness testimony to prove their innocence, proving that the accused did not ingest alcohol.
Alcohol monitoring is typically required as a condition of probation or parole and, therefore, as an alternative to incarceration, despite the fact that a defendant may try to claim that SCRAM is a violation of their privacy.
Therefore, it would be difficult to argue that alcohol monitoring violates civil liberties more severely than being locked up or imprisoned. However, without proof that a person has a drinking issue or that drinking contributed to their criminal behavior, courts typically cannot impose alcohol monitoring.
Should I Contact a Lawyer?
As with any new technology, SCRAM wristbands are currently undergoing testing, and not all legal systems have adopted them. Consider seeking legal counsel from a DUI attorney if you are being forced to wear a SCRAM bracelet.
Counseling will be available from your attorney while you are required to wear the ankle device. Additionally, your attorney can assist you in challenging the infraction if you think a SCRAM bracelet reading is unreliable or misleading.
