Ohio SCRAM Bracelet Guide

Effective April 6, 2017, the enactment of House Bill 388, known as "Annie's Law," fundamentally altered the OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) landscape in Ohio.

SCRAM Alcohol Monitoring in Ohio: A Legal Guide

Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) is a technology-driven approach to supervising individuals convicted of or charged with alcohol-related offenses in Ohio. This guide outlines the legal framework, operational details, and practical considerations surrounding SCRAM use in the state.

When SCRAM is Required in Ohio

SCRAM deployment in Ohio stems from statutory mandates, discretionary bond conditions, and post-conviction community control sanctions.

Mandatory Use for Repeat Offenders

Under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) § 4510.13, courts must order remote continuous alcohol monitoring in certain repeat OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) scenarios if driving privileges are granted:

• Second Offense: A minimum of 40 days of SCRAM monitoring is mandatory for an offender with a second OVI conviction within a ten-year lookback period, as defined by Annie's Law.
• Third Offense or More: The mandatory minimum monitoring period increases to 60 days if driving privileges are granted for a third or subsequent conviction.

The term "continuous alcohol monitoring" is defined in ORC § 4511.191(A)(1)(b) as a device that automatically tests and periodically reports alcohol consumption.

Discretionary Pretrial Release (Bond Conditions)

Judges have discretion to impose SCRAM as a condition of pretrial release (bail) under ORC § 2937.222. Common triggers for discretionary SCRAM orders include:

• High BAC Cases: BAC above 0.17%.
• Refusals: Refusal of chemical testing.
• Prior History: Even if a prior OVI falls outside the 10-year lookback.
• DUI Courts: As a prerequisite for entry into diversion programs.

Post-Conviction Community Control (Probation)

Following a conviction, SCRAM can be a condition of probation under ORC § 2929.15 as a non-residential sanction.

How SCRAM Monitoring Works

The SCRAM CAM bracelet uses transdermal alcohol spectroscopy. It measures alcohol excreted through the skin. Every 30 minutes, the device activates a pump to sample the air, creating a faint "buzzing" or "vibrating" sensation.

SCRAM Costs in Ohio

The financial responsibility for SCRAM monitoring typically falls on the offender. An average defendant in Ohio pays between $360 and $450 per month for SCRAM monitoring.

Indigent Drivers Alcohol Treatment (IDAT) Fund

Under ORC § 4511.191, low-income defendants may be eligible for funding through the Indigent Drivers Alcohol Treatment (IDAT) Fund. Accessing these funds requires an Affidavit of Indigency and a judicial order. However, IDAT funds are finite and managed at the county/municipal level.

Products to Avoid While on SCRAM

• Traditional Listerine (approx 20% alcohol) can leave residual alcohol vapor. Providers strictly advise using alcohol-free hygiene products.
• Spray tans.

SCRAM Violations and Consequences

Placing any material (meat, paper, plastic) between the sensor and skin alters the IR reflection beam, triggering an immediate "Obstruction" alert.

Providers will report non-payment to the court as a compliance issue.

SCRAM Monitoring Duration

• Second OVI Offense: Minimum of 40 days.
• Third OVI Offense or More: Minimum of 60 days.

Courts rarely order SCRAM beyond 12 months unless the defendant is in a specialized DUI Court program.

Ohio AMS operates a main office on Brecksville Road in Independence, servicing the Cuyahoga County courts.