In order to increase monitoring of those convicted for drunk driving, installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) or use of a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) device, is now commonplace. In most cases, the installation or use of an IID or SCRAM is mandated for repeat and habitual offenders. For repeat offenders who are interested in an occupational limited license that allows them to drive to work or school, installation of an IID is required. The SCRAM device is less common though it is being increasingly used in cases where the state believes a drunk driver poses a significant threat to the community.
At Cro & Rue, we represent people arrested and convicted for DUI. Depending on your driving record and the circumstances of your arrest, we may be able to help you qualify for an occupational limited license through an IID or SCRAM program. We can also explain DUI penalties and help you understand what you might be facing before you appear in court.
If you are already participating in one and have registered a violation, we can evaluate your case to determine if a false-positive occurred and help you fight additional fines, jail, and an extension of your license suspension.
The Ignition Interlock Device
An IID attaches to your car and operates in a similar fashion to a breathalyzer. In order for your car to start, you must first blow into the IID and register a BAC of .02% or less. If your BAC registers in excess of .02%, your car will not start. Once your car starts, you will be required to periodically blow into the IID. If at any time the IID registers a BAC in excess of .02%, your lights will begin flashing, your windshield wipers will start working, and your car horn will sound. You are required to install the IID at your own cost and maintain it with a monthly fee as well. You must periodically check in with the appropriate authorities to ensure the IID is working properly and to have data recovered from it.
The SCRAM Device
A Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) device is similar to an electronic ankle-monitoring device. It attaches to your leg and must remain in constant contact with your skin in order to measure blood alcohol content (BAC) in the body’s perspiration. The SCRAM device typically takes one reading an hour and transmits the results to a modem attached to your computer or placed in your home. The results are then related electronically over the internet to a central monitoring station that keeps track of all data related to your device. If the device registers a BAC over .02, your license will be suspended and you could go to jail and face other penalties.
You must pay for the installation of the SCRAM device which runs around $100 and costs about $12 to $18 a day to maintain. However, like any other electronic device, the SCRAM can malfunction or register a false-positive. Our attorneys have the knowledge and tools needed to challenge questionable SCRAM device results and expose data that is highly suspect.
Violations involving the IID and SCRAM Device
If you violate the terms of the IID or SCRAM program, you face fines, license suspension, even jail. However, these devices are not 100% accurate all the time. As a result, false-positives do happen.
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