Pre-Trial
In this section:
In the pre-trial stage, SCRAMx can be used for a variety of reasons. Judges can impose SCRAMx as a condition of bail, which increases the likelihood that the offender will appear in court for trial and protects the public more than a monetary bond would.
SCRAMx results can be used to screen and assess offenders for varying levels of addiction. Compliance while on the device demonstrates their willingness to follow court orders, and survey results* show that nearly 80% step up to pay their courts fees and fines while in the SCRAMx program. Defense attorneys may also recommend pre-trial SCRAMx monitoring to provide proof that their clients are willing and able to change their behavior.
With regard to alcohol monitoring, key objectives of the SCRAMx Pre-trial Program include:
- Ensures compliance with court-ordered terms of alcohol abstinence
- Promotes enforceable accountability
- Provides evidence-based assessment, detection, and deterrence
- Assesses the offender’s alcohol dependency and drinking patterns
- Detects if the offender drinks prior to trial to facilitate early intervention
- Protects the public while the defendant is out on bail and awaiting trial
- Allows the offender to maintain job and family obligations, and contribute positively to the community while awaiting trial
*Based on a self-reported survey of 500+ SCRAM Program graduates, 2009
When is house arrest used during pre-trial? Find out »
In pre-trial, house arrest may be added at the discretion of the supervising authority based on:
- Offender risk levels
- Agency supervision strategies
- Non-compliance while on the SCRAMx device
- Compliance with more restrictive technologies
- Aggravated circumstances surrounding the crime
- Other situations where increased accountability and public safety are valued
