It monitors alcohol in your system. You blow into it three or four times a day during specific time windows. Typically 5am-7am, Noon-2pm, 4pm-6pm, and 10pm-Midnight. The device sends the reports to the company you rented it from, which then sends the reports to Travis county. These units are designed to prove you are not drinking alcohol at all.

The window is from 5am-7am. So you can blow at 6:50am. But, yes, you will need to wake up before 7am. If you are using the device voluntarily, we can usually change the morning window to 7-9am.

There are two approved vendors in Travis County.

1. Victim Safety First. They use this model: BA/RT from Sentinel. They charge $140 to get the device, then $140 every 2 weeks. THIS IS THE MORE EXPENSIVE COMPANY!

2. Recovery Monitoring Solutions. They use this model: SCRAM remote breath. They charge $157.50 every 30 days.

The Travis county court system sometimes requires an alcohol monitor for probation, bond conditions, pre-trial diversion, or as a condition of the plea bargain. Sometimes I have my clients use the device voluntarily during plea negotiations.

Good. The main issue with the alcohol monitor is that it is difficult to not miss any windows, especially the morning window (5am-7am). People sleep through their alarms, or forget to bring it with them on a day trip, etc.

In very special circumstances(or if it is voluntary) the court will agree to adjust the windows to accommodate work schedules.

The court system assumes that you did it on purpose in order to allow time for alcohol to get out of your system.

Unfortunately, lots of people would do that. It is hard for the court to figure out who is being honest.

Right. The goal is to have flawless reports.

Blow as soon as possible. But the court will be suspicious. It is not good to be late on your blows. The later you are on the blow, the more it looks like you were drinking.

No. No alcohol at all.

Yes.

You can. But they won’t believe you. You should get non-alcoholic mouthwash. And don’t drink Kombucha.

The court will know that you are drinking. The consequences will depend on why you are using the device (probation, bond condition, voluntary, etc.)

You are welcome to email me with the explanation, but there isn’t much I can do to prevent the consequences.

Missing a test or blowing “hot” makes it almost impossible to get any credit for using the device. Even if you were 99% successful, the prosecutor will not be satisfied.

The minimum period is 2 months. It could be up to one year.

Without a doubt, using a personal alcohol monitor is incredibly difficult. However there are lots of benefits to not drinking. Use this as an opportunity to improve other parts of your life, i.e. health, relationships, work.

You can still go out! Try non-alcoholic beers. They are way better than you expect. Or ask for a “mocktail.” Both are a completely acceptable (and enjoyable!) substitute for drinking alcohol. You will have just as much fun without any of the negative consequences.