Motorists charged with and convicted of DUI in Las Vegas may have to wear a SCRAM device as a condition of a probation sentence or an alternative sentencing program. These devices provide continuous alcohol monitoring intended to ensure that offenders with alcohol abuse problems stay sober during their rehabilitation or probation.
What Is a SCRAM?
The secure continuous remote alcohol monitor (SCRAM) is an ankle bracelet that monitors a person’s alcohol consumption. The SCRAM bracelet works by analyzing alcohol levels in a person’s sweat. A person will excrete some of the alcohol they consume through their sweat.
A SCRAM tests a person’s sweat roughly every 30 minutes to detect the presence of alcohol. When a SCRAM device detects alcohol consumption, it will alert the monitoring agency that operates the device, which will, in turn, alert law enforcement that a person wearing a SCRAM has consumed alcohol.
The device also has anti-tampering detection systems, which alert the monitoring agency when a person attempts to disable or remove the device.
When Are SCRAM Devices Required?
A driver charged with DUI may have to wear a SCRAM device as a condition of an alternative disposition program. Eligible individuals may apply to an alternative sentencing program that involves substance abuse treatment as an alternative to incarceration or probation.
Offenders in Nevada DUI cases who complete the alternative sentencing program may receive a reduction of their DUI charges from a misdemeanor DUI to reckless driving or a felony DUI to a misdemeanor DUI. Courts may also order people convicted of DUI to wear a SCRAM as a condition of probation.
How Long Do I Have to Wear It?
Alternative sentencing programs typically last from one to three years, depending on the grading of a person’s offense. For misdemeanor DUI charges, a person may have to wear a SCRAM for a year as part of their alternative sentencing. For felony DUIs, offenders may have to wear a SCRAM for up to three years.
A person ordered to wear a SCRAM will have to pay an installation fee to have the device attached to their ankle, plus a daily monitoring fee for the duration of their alternative sentencing program or probation.
What Happens If My SCRAM Detects Alcohol?
If your SCRAM detects suspected alcohol consumption, it will alert the monitoring service that installed the device. The monitoring service will notify the law enforcement agency supervising your alternative sentencing program or probation.
The law enforcement agency will then advise the court that you may have violated the terms of your alternative sentencing or probation. If the court determines that you violated the program or your probation, it may impose penalties such as ordering you to pay fines or serve a jail or prison term for your DUI conviction.
Because false positives are possible with SCRAM devices in Las Vegas DUI cases, you might have a valid argument that you actually did not consume alcohol in violation of the terms of probation or the alternative sentencing program. Our DUI defense lawyers assist individuals dealing with false positives from SCRAM devices.
Arrested for a DUI In Nevada? Call Our DUI Defense Attorneys for Help
Have you been arrested on suspicion of DUI in Nevada? If so, you could be worried about the penalties you might face on conviction, including the obligation to wear a SCRAM device.
Contact Adras & Altig today for a free, confidential consultation with a Las Vegas DUI lawyer to learn how our DUI defense firm can help you protect your rights, reputation, and future from the negative consequences of a DUI arrest or conviction.
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