DUI Electronic Monitoring

The penalties for a drunk-driving offense may include community service, fines, driver’s license suspension, probation, and jail time. Depending on the circumstances of the DUI case, several alternatives to jail may be utilized. These include house arrest, work release, work furlough, and DUI electronic monitoring.

A judge must decide whether or not the offender is eligible for DUI electronic monitoring. If the offender is eligible, the judge may reduce or eliminate the jail time; however, habitual offenders may be sentenced to electronic monitoring in addition to jail time.

If sentenced to electronic monitoring, the offender must wear an ankle bracelet that tracks his or her location electronically. The sensor is connected by telephone lines to a main computer system that sends out continuous signals.

If the signal is interrupted, it means that the offender went beyond the court-approved radius of the electronic receiver. The time and date of the interruption is recorded, as well as the date and time that the signal recommences. If this occurs during a time when the offender is ordered to stay at home, the offender’s probation officer must investigate the violation. Violating the conditions of electronic monitoring may lead to house arrest or jail time.

Typically, the amount of time spent wearing an electronic monitoring device is equal to the length of the jail sentence. However, states that have a minimum 24-hour jail sentence for a drunk-driving conviction may substitute a 15-day electronic monitoring period for offenders who are physically or mentally unable to serve jail time.

Electronic monitoring is similar to house arrest in that the offender must wear a monitoring ankle bracelet. However, in house arrest, the offender is unable to leave his or her home, while an offender who is sentenced to electronic monitoring may go to work or school as long as he or she meets the court-appointed curfew. The offender may also attend AA meetings or alcohol education classes and make court appearances.

Another DUI electronic monitoring device known as SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) is worn on either the ankle or wrist and detects alcohol excretion through sweat. It can also measure the user’s blood alcohol content. Offenders who are required to abstain from alcohol may be required to wear this device.

If you have questions about DUI electronic monitoring in your state, contact a skilled DUI lawyer today.