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Alcohol Monitoring Devices for DUI: Are They a Good Idea?
When charged with driving under the influence (DUI), an individual may want to be released on bail, enabling them to attend to their daily life, meet with Los Angeles DUI attorneys, and prepare for court before the trial day. In some circumstances, courts may require alcohol monitoring devices for DUI individuals to monitor their alcohol consumption. A monitoring device is fitted to the ankle to detect and deter alcohol use by people who have pending alcohol-related court cases or have previously convicted alcohol-related offenses. California uses Secured Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) devices, which detect the minimal amount of alcohol secreted from the body by individuals who have consumed alcohol.
Who Is Expected to Wear an Alcohol Monitoring Device?
Courts may require people convicted of DUI offenses, especially those with prior convictions, to wear the monitoring devices. Additionally, someone charged with DUI, with a high blood-alcohol level at the time of arrest, may require such devices instead of being on bail. Individuals with previous convictions or having a high-risk of recidivism may put the society at risk due to alcohol use, hence the need for monitoring.
However, wearing an alcohol monitoring device has many challenges. First, for someone with an alcohol dependency, the devices can be dangerous. Suddenly quitting alcohol raises the risk of severe withdrawal effects like seizures, among other significant health problems. Secondly, the devices are uncomfortable to wear, and when one tries to adjust it, the device may read it as tampering, even if it is not the case. Some people find it hard to conceal the device from their employers, leading to difficulty keeping a job. Similarly, people find it challenging to use products with alcohol while wearing a monitoring device.
Problems Associated with Alcohol Monitoring Devices
While alcohol monitoring devices are intended to increase public safety by reducing alcohol-related offenses, they come with many problems. People who have serious alcohol issues face severe health conditions when they quit alcohol suddenly.
Moreover, some people find it challenging to wear the alcohol monitoring devices, leading to discomfort and falsely triggering the tamper alarm. As a result, it may be difficult to maintain employment. Similarly, the use of mouthwash and other mundane products with alcohol can cause inconveniences.
Additionally, people ordered to wear the devices may find it financially challenging to do so, with the devices being cost-prohibitive. The devices’ cost may also hinder the individual’s efforts to comply with the court’s order, further complicating their legal situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while alcohol monitoring devices may seem like a good idea initially, the challenges associated with wearing them outweigh the benefits. People with serious alcohol dependency issues are especially affected, and the devices may falsely accuse individuals of tampering, leading to further legal complications. Additionally, a person wearing the device may find it challenging to maintain employment or afford the devices. If you are charged with DUI or any other alcohol-related offense, it is advisable to seek legal representation from an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney like Todd Spodek. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
| Problems | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Withdrawal effects for dependent individuals | Gradual alternative detoxification measures |
| Uncomfortable to wear | Modification of the device design |
| Difficulties in concealing the device from employers | Legal amendments to the device use guidelines |
| Impact on daily life such as avoiding mouthwash and alcohol-based cleansers | Modification of the device to detect and differentiate alcohol use based on concentration levels |
| Cost-prohibitive | Research and development of affordable and effective monitoring devices |
In conclusion, while alcohol monitoring devices may seem like a good idea initially, they may pose several issues. Hence the need to develop wearable, affordable, and efficient ways to detect alcohol use efficiently without unnecessary inconveniences. People with serious alcohol dependency issues are especially affected, and the devices may falsely accuse individuals of tampering, leading to further legal complications. Additionally, a person wearing the device may find it challenging to maintain employment or afford the devices. It is advisable to seek legal representation from an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney like Todd Spodek, if you are charged with DUI or any other alcohol-related offense. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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