General Archives - SCRAM of California

Sober Days for the Holidays

administrator — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 21:42:34 +0000

Next Wednesday is infamous. It is Thanksgiving Eve, otherwise known as Blackout Wednesday, and it is now considered one of the drinking days of the year, especially among college students and in larger urban areas. Data shows it even surpasses St. Patrick’s day for rates of drinking, drug overdoses, relapses, DUIs, and other alcohol-related crimes. Since we opened SCRAM of California in 2010, we’ve dedicated every holiday season to our Sober Days for the Holidays campaign, working to drive awareness of the risks for clients, their families, and their communities. The season is full of both increased triggers–family stress, work (or no work), rates of depression, financial hardships–and opportunities, like holiday parties, with temptations at ever turn. As stewards of the communities in which our teams live and work, we offer special programs during the holiday season in an effort to support our court and agency partners as you work to reduce the risks of DUIs, domestic violence, overdoses, and violations. Record numbers of drivers will hit our highways this holiday season. We are committed to helping them stay safe and sober. Check out this infographic [PDF] for more statistics on drinking, drugs, and impaired driving during the Holidays.

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Drugged at the Wheel: Legal Marijuana and Driving in California

Ariel Vollero — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 02:00:12 +0000

The passing of Proposition 64, “The Adult Use of Marijuana Act” propelled California to join the growing number of states legalizing marijuana for personal use. With this, California has also joined the difficult battle of understanding where law enforcement and the legal community stand regarding Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID). Law enforcement and state prosecutors are now faced with the harrowing challenge of determining what ‘under the influence’ means, how to determine if someone is under the influence, and how to quantify the equivalent of a .08% BAC. To stay in front of this new law, California Highway Patrol has been tasked with determining new and better standards to determine reliable limits and testing methods of marijuana, receiving $3 million a year for the next five years to do so. Increase in Driving Under the Influence of Drugs While research has shown that marijuana is a safe substance, the way chemicals in cannabis plants are processed by the body still makes it highly dangerous to operate a vehicle while under the influence. Cannabis affects an individual’s sensory perception making their reaction times delayed, impairing their judgment, and decreasing coordination. According to the San Diego Union Tribune, 30 people were arrested on suspicion of drugged driving in the first half of 2016. In 2017, between January and June, there were 69 arrests! San Diego County Sheriff’s Assitant, Mike Barnett, says he has seen a large increase in drivers caught driving under the influence of drugs. In a recent incident on Easter Sunday, Hyun Jeong Choi collided with a raised median on Pomerado Road in Scripps Ranch, causing her car to spin counter-clockwise and crash directly into Jon Warshawsky’s vehicle. The collision killed Amanda Walzer, Warshawasky’s life partner, and left him with severe brain injuries and paralysis. What caused this tragic collision? Inside Ms. Choi’s car investigators found a glass marijuana pipe sitting inside her center console, still hot from recent use. To say marijuana was the sole contributor to the crash would be inaccurate, but it most certainly played a significant role in the sudden death of Amanda Walzer. How Much is Too Much Pot? After alcohol, marijuana is the drug most often found in the blood of drivers involved in crashes, including fatal ones. Due to THC’s lingering presence in the body, it is difficult to determine the role marijuana plays in vehicle crashes. A 2015 National Institute on Drug Abuse study quantified the effects of marijuana equivalent to alcohol. 13.1 mg/ml of THC alone is roughly equivalent to .08% BAC; 8 ng/ml THC alone is roughly equivalent to .05% BAC; 5 ng/ml TCH in combination with .05% BAC is roughly equivalent to .08% BAC. The Public’s Stigma Isn’t There Yet Driving under the influence of marijuana puts you, your passengers, and other drivers at risk. Any mind-altering drug makes it unsafe to operate a vehicle, yet Just Think Twice, a drug information website run by the Drug Enforcement Agency says that 23% of 13 million driving-aged teens admitted to driving under the influence. That’s nearly 3 million impaired teen drivers on the road. Furthermore, a 2015 Gallup poll found that 70% of Americans think that it isn’t dangerous to drive while high on marijuana. And of those same individuals polled, 79% found it a very serious problem to drive while impaired by alcohol. Despite there not being a solid foundation to base how dangerous it is or the level to which a person needs to be high for it to be unsafe, driving while your cognitive abilities are compromised is dangerous and illegal. California Drugged Driving Penalties The penalties for driving under the influence of drugs are the same California DUI penalties that apply to driving under the influence of alcohol cases. In most cases, VC 23152(e) DUI of drugs is a misdemeanor in California. The consequences may include: DUI probation for 3 to 5 years fines (usually around $1800 for a first offense) completion of a California DUI school, a driver’s license suspension. a possible jail sentence depending on the county where it happens, your prior record and the circumstances. But Vehicle Code 23152(e) DUID can be filed as a felony if it’s your fourth or subsequent DUI offense, you have even one prior felony DUI conviction, or your driving causes an accident that injures a third party.

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24/7 Sobriety Programs Combined With Domestic Violence Cases

Noah Leathers — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 00:20:45 +0000

Domestic violence is something I witnessed as a child growing up in my home. I saw the way it tore a home apart like the stormy sea on a stranded vessel. The screaming, physical violence and the sense of hopelessness can be too much for anyone to handle especially for the child/children involved. I can say that all too many times I watched my mother drink alcohol until no end until all her inhibitions seemed to dissolve like the alcohol in the bottle. It was confusing and extremely terrifying to see the beast inside someone come out in full force, taking control of every ounce of my mother. She became more depressed, angry, irritated, mentally unstable, disconnected, and confused. As it may seem that my mom is this evil woman, I can say that is not true. She struggled for most of her life with her own demons and past issues that became something that lived in the shadows of her mind like the bats in the night’s sky. Always there, but hard to see, and hard to address especially while under the influence. My mother is a great and kind woman who was a victim herself. As I look back on those days of complete horror I realize that there was such a correlation with my mother’s alcohol and drug problem as well as her need to control and power my father and household. It was a powder keg that was laced with nails ready to shred through the victims involved. Therefore, I actively believe that the combination of alcohol/drug monitoring/treatment and counseling is an absolute need. The Correlation Between Alcohol and Domestic Violence The case study, “Drugs, Alcohol, and Domestic Violence in Memphis,” by the National Institute of Justice places an alarming statistic of 92% regarding alcohol or drug abuse on the day of domestic abuse. Most professionals would say that alcohol abuse does not cause domestic violence, but it can be a factor in making the incident worse. The use of alcohol affects anyone’s ability to process information and in a lot of situations misinterpret what we are being told or is happening. We can see that having an issue with processing information and misinterpreting what is really occurring could increase the severity or chances of prevention in domestic violence. The Department of Justice, in a study performed in 1994, found that more than half of the defendants who committed murder of their spouse were drinking alcohol at the time. (Bureau of Justice Statistic, Domestic Violence, Violence between Intimates. 1994). The Impact of Domestic Violence on Victims When it regards the victim in these cases we are reminded of the impacts that occur due to the abuse of domestic violence. The World Health Organization states, “The impacts of intimate partner violence are wide-ranging. For the victim, health effects include physical injury, which for some women may lead to pregnancy complications or miscarriage), emotional problems leading to suicide, suicidal ideation and depression, and alcohol or drug abuse as a method of coping.” (World Health Organization Intimate Partner Violence and Alcohol Fact Sheet, pg. 3). Then there are children that are sometimes forgotten. Studies indicate that children who live in homes with a history of alcohol or drug abuse are more probable to suffer from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. (2003) “Substance Abuse and Child Maltreatment.” National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect and Information). 24/7 Sobriety Programs for Domestic Violence Cases Punishments for domestic violence can range from actual custody time, probation, restraining orders, relinquished custody of their children, or counseling/classes such as the “52-Week Domestic Battery Class.” Occasionally the Criminal/Family Courts involved will order treatment, AA/NA, or drug and alcohol counseling if alcohol or drugs is a nexus to the crime. It is rare that the courts in these cases also order alcohol or drug monitoring as this may not be needed for every situation. It can still be a tool that can be used to benefit the public as well as the offender. 24/7 Sobriety Programs, typically applied in cases that involve DUI offenders, are starting to be used as a tool for a multitude of other offenses in our justice system, including domestic violence. The program requires individuals arrested for or convicted of alcohol-involved offenses to submit to breathalyzer tests twice daily or wear a Continuous Alcohol Monitoring Bracelet. Positive tests result in swift and certain, though modest, penalties, such as a day or two in jail. The approach is based on the idea that the certainty and rapidity, rather than the severity of the punishment, more effectively deters problem drinking. The fact that someone has abused/assaulted another while under the influence can show a need not only for counseling but alcohol/drug monitoring combined with treatment to ensure complete offender accountability. Monitoring an individual’s alcohol/drug sobriety can and has shown an increase in the reduction of recidivism, as well as a decrease in failure to appears to court, classes, and other mandated programs. “The comprehensive monitoring and care management model under development for the 24/7 Sobriety Project has wide applicability within the criminal justice system, well beyond the DUI offense, because alcohol and illegal drug use are major contributors to crime and incarceration. This program demonstrates a powerful ability to stop alcohol and drug use as well as the criminal behavior that alcohol and drug use often lead to among arrested offenders. The program has been extended to a wide range of criminal charges related to alcohol and drug use, including domestic violence and civil abuse and neglect cases. These changes show the broad applicability of the 24/7 Sobriety Project, far beyond the original focus on DUI offenders and alcohol use.” National Partnership on Alcohol Misuse and Crime The South Dakota 24/7 Sobriety Project, November 2010 It is for the benefit of the offender, victim, and community to monitor the offender’s sobriety while they are participating in their domestic battery classes and other court-mandated programs. […]

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The Dangers of Binge Drinking and St. Patrick’s Day

Jordan Silveira — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 22:52:14 +0000

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday recognized throughout the world originally rooted in the celebration of Saint Patrick of Ireland. However, this holiday has spun itself into a celebration for many things, celebrated by many different individuals. These individuals come from all walks of life, not just those who are Irish. These celebrations come in a variety of forms, from something as harmless as wearing green clothes to more dangerous activities like binge drinking. Many know the phrase that “numbers don’t lie” and if that’s to be believed, then St. Patrick’s Day is no laughing matter when it comes to the dire consequences resulting from this holiday and the choices many intoxicated individuals make during their celebration of St. Patrick. St. Patrick’s Day & Drinking Infographic Download Infographic Statistics show that 13 million pints of Guinness beer will be consumed on St. Patrick’s Day and what’s more alarming is that approximately every 1.25 hours, a life will be claimed due to alcohol-related car crashes on this holiday. From 2011-2015, 252 casualties resulted from drunk drivers on St. Patrick’s Day. Of these fatal car crashes, an enormous 75% of them involved drivers who had consumed 2 times the legal limit of alcohol! As it can be seen, alcohol-related offenses such as drunk driving DO NOT discriminate against any individual. Many throughout the world are tragically affected by St. Patrick’s Day regardless of their nationality, religion, size, gender, wealth, etc. We all have a vested interest and duty to keep our communities safe with Saint Patrick’s Day coming up! Therefore, it is imperative that we do our best to eliminate the dire consequences that routinely result from a holiday that was traditionally meant to celebrate St. Patrick from Ireland in the best of ways with the most positive intentions, not in intoxicated fashion with tragic results. Learn more about how SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring can help keep the community safe this St. Patrick’s Day.

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8 DUIs Shouldn’t Be the New Normal

Valerie Williams — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 20:27:39 +0000

We have all read or heard about the horrific car crashes that involve the careless actions of a drunk driver, but have you ever heard of someone charged with 8 DUI offenses? On January 29, 2017, Derek Stacy Haskayne, 52, crashed into and landed on top of a Southern California Edison electrical box igniting live wires. Placentia police department in Orange County, California responded to the call at the 100 block of South Lakeview Avenue. When police arrived, they found Haskayne attempting to flee from the scene and police quickly discovered that he was not only under the influence of alcohol, but had been arrested for the same offense a disturbing 8 times before. How does this happen? A first-time DUI offense in Orange County carries a penalty of 4 days to 6 months in the county jail. For most this is a strong deterrent to drink and drive again, but evidently, Haskayne didn’t get the message. Due to Haskayne’s prior DUI arrests, he was placed on post-release community supervision, a failed endeavor to monitor his multiple DUI offenses while in the community. Court ordered to obtain an ignition interlock device, Haskayne still found ways to drive amongst law abiding citizens and place our community at risk. The community of Placentia deserved to know that an 8-time DUI offender was driving along side of them unmonitored. SCRAM of California manages alcohol programs to address this very issue for courts and agencies in Orange County. The SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring bracelet combines 24/7 transdermal alcohol testing with optional house arrest monitoring in one device. Designed for high-risk, repeat DUI, drunk driving, and other alcohol offenders, the SCRAM system and program is the world’s most widely used and trusted 24/7 transdermal alcohol testing system on the market today. Our SCRAM monitoring program: Enforces public safety Provides continuous supervision of DUI offenders Reduces recidivism by 45% in hardcore DUI offenders compared to non-wearers (National Center for State Courts, 2009) Is alcohol specific and non-invasive With this program readily available in Orange County, why was Derek Stacy Haskayne not court ordered to participate in the SCRAM of California program where he would have been monitored and held accountable for his actions? As a community, these are the questions we need to be asking.

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President Proclaims December As National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Aaron Fleisher — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 00:17:49 +0000

As he has every year since 2009, last week President Obama officially named December 2016 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.[/caption] Impaired driving and related fatalities spike during the holiday season, making this an important time of year to remind drivers what’s at stake when they get behind the wheel. In his proclamation the president specifically called out the impact of drunk driving, noting that “preventable alcohol-related driving fatalities accounted for nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities” in 2015. Despite years of messaging by anti-drunk driving groups and intensive efforts by law enforcement agencies, this percentage has remained largely unchanged in the past decade. Drugged and distracted driving are also growing dangers on the nation’s roads and highways. Stopping impaired driving requires both personal responsibility and action as well as effective public policies. The president stated that as a nation “we must recommit to doing everything we can to prevent driving-related injuries and fatalities,” including: Pledging not to get behind the wheel after drinking, and not to text while driving. Ever. Calling 911 if we suspect a driver is drunk or impaired. Setting a good example for teen drivers by modeling safe driving practices and choices. Providing better treatment options for Americans who struggle with alcohol and substance misuse disorders. Giving law enforcement the resources and tools they need to address impaired driving. What other steps do you think we need to take as citizens and as a country to stop drunk, drugged, and distracted driving? Reposted from sobering-up.com

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May is National Drug Court Month

administrator — Mon, 04 May 2015 15:05:02 +0000

National Drug Court Month is underway and Adult Drug Courts, Juvenile Drug Courts, Family Dependency Treatment Courts, DWI Courts, Healing to Wellness Courts, and Veterans Treatment Courts are making news. This year’s National Drug Court Month theme is “Drug Courts Save.” Whether it is saving lives, saving families, saving our roads from drunk drivers, saving veterans, or saving resources, Drug Courts Save! This May is our opportunity to show the world what that means. NADCP has prepared a field kit to help you with any planning and can assist you events. The 2015 National Drug Court Month Field Kit

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NADCP CEO Steps Aside, Joins SCRAM Systems

administrator — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 16:40:11 +0000

The National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) has announced that after seventeen years of service, West Huddleston will step aside as Chief Executive Officer to serve as a Vice President and General Manager of SCRAM Systems, the industry leader in cutting-edge alcohol and location monitoring technologies for criminal justice. The use of cutting-edge technology is the future of offender management. As California, Arizona, and Nevada continue to support the growth of collaborative courts, West will be will be a tremendous resource in assisting these model programs to incorporate the right technology for the right offender population and use the tools according to best practices. Aaron Fleisher President & General Manager, SCRAM of California West Huddleston’s Accomplishments As a national steward of the Drug Court, DWI Court and Veterans Treatment Court movement, he initiated a public policy strategy to bolster federal funding, and a public relations strategy to make Drug Courts, DWI Courts and Veterans Treatment Courts a household name. When West joined NADCP there were 347 Drug Courts and when he became CEO, the federal appropriation was $20 million. Today, there are 2,966 Drug Courts, DWI Courts and Veterans Treatment Courts and the federal appropriation is $104 million with another $260 million dedicated in state budgets. Millions of citizens have been exposed to the life-saving promise of Drug Courts through West’s All Rise campaign, celebrity PSAs and massive national media coverage. As a national steward of the Drug Court, DWI Court and Veterans Treatment Court movement, he initiated a public policy strategy to bolster federal funding, and a public relations strategy to make Drug Courts, DWI Courts and Veterans Treatment Courts a household name. When West joined NADCP there were 347 Drug Courts and when he became CEO, the federal appropriation was $20 million. Today, there are 2,966 Drug Courts, DWI Courts and Veterans Treatment Courts and the federal appropriation is $104 million with another $260 million dedicated in state budgets. Millions of citizens have been exposed to the life-saving promise of Drug Courts through West’s All Rise campaign, celebrity PSAs and massive national media coverage. West will begin at SCRAM Systems on May 8, 2015.

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