There may be a way out of jail time now, especially for lower level DUI offenders. Recently, cities across Hampton Roads are letting DUI offenders out of their jail terms and requiring them to wear alcohol monitoring bracelets. Judges in Newport News, Norfolk, Potsmouth, Suffolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach have issued approximately 150 of these bracelets over the last year to DUI offenders in Virginia. This option is helping to save the taxpayer money and relieves the overcrowded jails. Other cities in Virginia are looking into this alternative as well.
The way the alcohol monitoring bracelets work is that they track alcohol usage through perspiration. The bracelet updates the vendor once every half hour. If there are any discrepancies or red flags, the vendor informs the specific law enforcement for that DUI offender.
In order to stay out of jail for a DUI offense using this option, the offender has to pay $12 to $17 a day to wear the bracelet. The vendor who manages the bracelet system (Tidewater Alcohol Monitoring Systems) has said these Virginia cities have saved approximately $1.2 million dollars by using the bracelets and keeping offenders out of jail.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in Virginia, you may face penalties including fines, jail time, license suspension and more. Call T. Kevin Wilson, a skilled Virginia DUI lawyer at the Wilson Law Firm today. Speaking with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to review your legal options is wise. Call us toll free at (800) DUI - LWYR or (703) 361-6100 today.