Georgia SCRAM Bracelet Guide

O.C.G.A. § 42-8-35 delineates the terms and conditions of probation in Georgia. While it lists standard conditions, it explicitly states the list is not exclusive, allowing judges to order "Special Conditions of Probation," which includes SCRAM.

SCRAM Alcohol Monitoring in Georgia: A Comprehensive Guide

If you've been arrested for DUI or other alcohol-related offenses in Georgia, you might be ordered to wear a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) device. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of SCRAM in Georgia, covering how it works, the costs involved, potential violations, and more.

When is SCRAM Required in Georgia?

SCRAM isn't a standard requirement for every DUI case. Instead, it's generally used in specific situations based on risk and circumstances:

• Pretrial Release (Bond Conditions): A second DUI arrest within a 5 or 10-year period is a primary trigger for SCRAM. Courts view recidivism as a strong indicator of addiction and flight risk. Cases involving "High and Aggravated" BAC levels (typically 0.15 or higher) often prompt judges to order enhanced monitoring. DUI with child endangerment or DUI involving an accident with serious injury will almost invariably result in a SCRAM requirement for bond. The order is typically entered at the First Appearance or Bond Hearing. The defendant is often required to have the device installed before leaving the jail or must report directly to a provider (like A 2nd Chance Monitoring or ProntoTrak) within 24 hours of release.
• Probation Conditions: SCRAM serves as a mechanism to enforce the "no alcohol" condition of probation. Prosecutors will often refuse to reduce charges (e.g., from DUI to Reckless Driving) unless the defendant agrees to a period of SCRAM monitoring. A typical probation condition requires 60 to 120 days of monitoring.
• Accountability Courts (DUI Courts): DUI Courts in counties like Cherokee, Gwinnett, and Cobb operate on a "Phase" system. SCRAM is frequently mandatory during Phase 1 (Assessment & Stabilization), which lasts at least 90 days, to ensure the participant is sober enough to engage in treatment.

How SCRAM Works: Transdermal Alcohol Monitoring

SCRAM is a transdermal alcohol monitoring system. It works by testing perspiration for the presence of alcohol. Here's how it functions:

1. Attachment: The SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitor (CAM) bracelet is fitted around the ankle and secured. It must be worn 24/7. Nothing can be placed between the device and the skin. This blocks the IR sensor and will trigger an "Obstruction" violation. You can wear a sock over the device, but not under it.
2. Transdermal Testing: The device samples perspiration every 30 minutes, detecting any alcohol content.
3. Data Transmission: The SCRAM CAM bracelet only detects alcohol. However, there is a combo device called SCRAM GPS (or SCRAMx) that does both. You must check your specific court order to know if you are on CAM-only or CAM+GPS. The data is then transmitted to a monitoring center, typically via a cellular connection or a base station.
4. Reporting: If the device detects alcohol, it generates an alert. These alerts are reviewed by monitoring personnel and reported to the relevant authorities, such as probation officers or the court.

SCRAM Costs in Georgia

Georgia operates under a "user-pay" justice model, meaning the individual ordered to wear SCRAM is responsible for covering the costs. These costs can vary depending on the provider and the length of the monitoring period. Typical costs include:

• Installation Fee: Varies by provider.
• Daily Monitoring Fee: This is the most significant expense and is charged daily.
• Removal Fee: A fee for removing the device at the end of the monitoring period.
• Replacement Cost: Submerging the device will damage the components and trigger a "tamper" alert. The defendant is liable for the replacement cost (~$1,300).

Products to Avoid While on SCRAM

The SCRAM device detects ethanol. Ethanol is present in many household products. If these products are near the sensor, the device may register a positive reading. To avoid false positives and potential violations, you must avoid products containing alcohol, including:

• Household Cleaners: Lysol, bleach wipes, glass cleaners (contain Isopropyl or Ethyl alcohol).
• Personal Care: Hand sanitizer (a major issue post-COVID), mouthwash (Listerine), cologne, perfume, hairspray. It is safer to switch to alcohol-free mouthwash.
• Industrial Chemicals: Solvents, lacquers, gasoline, paint thinners.
• Foods: Even consuming several "non-alcoholic" beers (which contain trace amounts of alcohol up to 0.5%) could theoretically trigger a low-level alert. Probation terms usually prohibit "alcohol consumption," and judges view NA beer as risky behavior.

SCRAM Violations and Consequences

Several actions can trigger a SCRAM violation:

• Alcohol Detection: Any detection of alcohol above a pre-set threshold will result in a violation.
• Tampering: Attempting to remove, disable, or damage the device is a serious violation. Submerging the device will damage the components and trigger a "tamper" alert. The defendant is liable for the replacement cost (~$1,300).
• Obstruction: Placing anything between the device and the skin to block the sensor.
• Failure to Charge: Letting the battery die is considered a violation (failure to monitor). You will likely face a sanction.

Consequences for violating SCRAM can be severe, depending on the terms of your bond or probation:

• Bond Revocation: For Bond: The bond is revoked, and the defendant returns to jail until trial.
• Probation Revocation: For Probation: The judge can revoke the balance of the probation. For a "special condition" violation like drinking, the judge can revoke the entire remaining sentence to jail, whereas technical violations are capped at 2 years.
• DUI Court Sanctions: For DUI Court: Sanctions range from community service to "flash incarceration" (24-48 hours in jail) or restarting the current program phase.

SCRAM Monitoring Duration

• DUI Cases (Probation): Typically 90 to 120 days.
• Pretrial: Can last 6 to 18 months, depending on how long it takes for the case to reach trial.
• DUI Courts: Often mandate a 90-day minimum in Phase 1.

Judges typically require at least 1/2 of the ordered time to be completed with zero violations for early removal. A "Motion to Modify Conditions of Probation" must be filed.

Cherokee County DUI Court explicitly mandates SCRAM or electronic monitoring at the onset of the program at the participant's expense.