An alcohol ankle monitor—also known as a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor)—is an ankle bracelet consisting of two small boxes secured by a strap and worn 24 hours a day. A SCRAM monitors perspiration on the skin for alcohol content—similar to the way a breathalyzer test measures blood alcohol concentration. A SCRAM is tamper-resistant and if a person attempts to remove or tamper with it, the tampering will be detected and reported through the remote monitoring service.

A person who is out of jail on bond awaiting a DUI/DWI trial may be ordered to wear a SCRAM. And a person who has been convicted of a DUI/DWI criminal offense may be ordered to wear a SCRAM for some period of time—as a condition of probation, for example. A person convicted of a DUI/DWI criminal offense may also volunteer to wear a SCRAM in an effort to reduce the severity of the sentence.

In North Carolina, a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) device may be used as a condition of pretrial release, probation, or post-conviction monitoring for individuals charged with or convicted of DUI/DWI offenses. The use of SCRAM is typically at the discretion of the court and can be ordered to ensure that the individual abstains from alcohol consumption. If a person tampers with or attempts to remove the SCRAM device, it will be detected by the monitoring service, which can lead to legal consequences such as revocation of bond or probation, additional charges, or other penalties. Additionally, volunteering to wear a SCRAM device may be seen by the court as a proactive step by the defendant to demonstrate sobriety and could potentially influence sentencing decisions. The specific regulations and application of SCRAM devices in DUI/DWI cases can vary based on the circumstances of the case and the decision of the presiding judge.