County alters arrest policy for repeat DUI offenders
Butler County court officials and the district attorney's office have revised the county's drunken driving arrest policy in an effort to curb repeat offenders.
“We're trying to get them earlier to prevent them from getting another DUI,” said District Attorney Richard Goldinger.
He said some drunk drivers rack up multiple arrests before the legal process can catch up with long-term ramifications.
“An arrest would not stop them,” Goldinger said. “They're likely to do it again.”
Under the new policy, anyone charged with a second DUI offense within five years who has a blood-alcohol content level greater than 0.16 percent will be taken before a district judge for preliminary arraignment.
The district judge would set a bond that includes the defendant being placed on pretrial supervision with a SCRAM device, which monitors alcohol consumption.
A SCRAM, Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring, bracelet, which is worn on the ankle, can detect any alcohol consumption through the skin.
Goldinger said there are immediate consequences if a defendant drinks alcohol while wearing the SCRAM device.
“Their bond would be revoked, and they go to jail,” he said.
The new practice started Friday, but there is a grace period for this weekend in case there are questions from law enforcement about the revisions.
The district judges were told Thursday about the new protocol.
