In order to save money and reduce overcrowding in Tidewater area jails, some DUI offenders are being asked to wear a SCRAM bracelet on their ankle. If you're asked to do this, you may also be asked to pay a daily fee for the device. The benefit is that you won't have to stay in jail - but you will need to stay home and will not be able to drink.
How does the device work?
You would be required to wear an ankle bracelet, which is a square black device that ensures you do not leave house arrest and do not drink. The device measures the alcohol content of your perspiration, and periodically transmits data to a base station in your home. The device can be set up to test you for alcohol on any schedule, but you are tested at least once per day.
The bracelet device relays data to a SCRAM base station that plugs into your telephone line. Data includes alcohol readings, tamper alerts and diagnostic data that is all sent to a centralized SCRAMNET computer. You can also receive operational messages on the base station's LCD screen.
Your information can be accessed by authorities via an internet browser at any time. This way authorities can see at a glance if you have had alcohol to drink, if you've tried to leave your house, or if you've tried to tamper with the device.
Hampton Roads DUI offenders already using SCRAM
This device is currently being used by DUI offenders in the Hampton Roads area. Offenders are charged $12 to $17 per day to wear the device, and their perspiration is checked for alcohol consumption every 30 minutes.
Don't like the idea of wearing a device like this? Make sure you get a good Virginia DUI attorney if you are accused of drinking and driving, otherwise you might have no choice - other than jail.
Fill out our online contact form or call our Norfolk office toll-free at 800-401-4989 or locally at (757) 622-7740 to speak with an experienced, aggressive drunk driving lawyer.
