OVI / DUI Secure Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM)

The acronym SCRAM stands for Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring. The SCRAM device is an ankle bracelet that gathers data at the surface of the skin, including the presence of alcohol. When alcohol is ingested, it is absorbed into the blood and distributed throughout the body. Most of the alcohol is metabolized by the liver, but small amounts of alcohol are eliminated in breath, urine, and skin. The alcohol in blood moves from the blood to the surface of the skin through diffusion and also flows through sweat glands. At the surface of the skin, a fuel cell in the bracelet interacts with chemicals, including alcohol. The bracelet takes continuous measurements and transmits data wirelessly to a nearby modem. The data is sent through a phone line to a computer system which makes calculations and generates reports summarizing the data. If the data shows a certain chemical reaction occurred, that occurrence is interpreted as the presence of alcohol.  If you have this device or are concerned about having this device related to a case in central Ohio, you may want to retain a Columbus DUI lawyer.

In Ohio, SCRAM is specifically authorized in two circumstances but could be used in others. First, SCRAM is used as a condition of limited driving privileges if there is a violation of an ignition interlock order. Second, SCRAM is used as a condition of limited driving privileges if the defendant has repeat DUI / OVI convictions, may be used if a defendant violates an order related to unlimited driving privileges, and is mandatory for felony DUI / OVI cases. SCRAM could also be used at a judge’s discretion in any DUI / OVI case as a condition of bond or as a condition of probation/community control.

If the reports generated by the SCRAM software indicate alcohol use, the court is notified. The court then holds a hearing to determine if the defendant violated a SCRAM order by circumventing or tampering with the bracelet or by consuming alcohol. If the court determines there was a violation, the court may revoke driving privileges, revoke bond, or revoke probation/community control. There have been problems with the reliability of SCRAM, including false positives caused by chemicals other than alcohol.

Having an attorney who understanding the details of SCRAM bracelets may or may not be important to your DUI / OVI case. It illustrates, however, that effective lawyering in this area of law requires more expertise than it may appear on the surface. If you have been charged with a DUI / OVI and intend to contest the charge with the hope of getting it dismissed or reduced, it would be beneficial to have a DUI / OVI attorney with expertise and the other qualifications discussed in the ‘Hiring An Attorney’ page.

The Dominy Law Firm is focused on DUI / OVI defense, and we represent clients that are contesting DUI / OVI charges in Columbus and central Ohio. For more information about our practice, please see the firm overview. You can also read what our clients say and review our past case results. We limit the number of cases we accept so we can provide outstanding service to our clients. If you want to talk through how we can help with your DUI / OVI, call us at 614-717-1177 or complete a CONTACT FORM to arrange a free consultation.