Individuals charged with driving under the influence of alcohol face a number of consequences if convicted. One of those consequences is the requirement to wear an alcohol monitoring device. SCRAM stands for Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor. It is a small device worn like an ankle bracelet that helps determine the amount of alcohol in a person’s body. If you are facing DUI charges, you may be forced to wear a SCRAM device in California for a prolonged period of time. This means that your alcohol intake will be monitored automatically approximately every hour. Unfortunately, these devices are not always accurate and it is common for individuals to face additional penalties as a result of false readings.
There are two types of DUI offenders who may be required to wear a SCRAM device: repeat DUI offenders and individuals who have a serious alcohol abuse problem. Convicted offenders may be required to wear it anywhere from 30 days to a year. These restrictive devices are tamper-resistant and any attempt to remove them will alert the authorities.
The problem with these devices is that they are not perfect. A false reading can occur, for example, if the wearer is producing acetone while breaking down fats. Eating certain types of food can also trigger a false reading. Despite the fact that these devices can be erroneous, the courts continue to force them on DUI offenders.
If you are the victim of false SCRAM readings, it is possible to fight such wrongful charges in court. The Los Angeles DUI attorneys at Sitkoff & Hanrahan can help DUI defendants during and after their arrest. Call our offices today at 866-430-8383 to discuss your legal rights and options at absolutely no cost.