FAQ

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Q: What is a portable alcohol monitor?

A:  It monitors alcohol in your system. You blow into it three or four  times a day during specific time windows. Typically 5am-8am, 5-8, 10-11:30. The device sends the results to the portal for the courts to monitor. These  units are designed to prove you are not drinking alcohol at all.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Approximately $75 month. 

Q: When is it required by the court?

A:  Most county court systems  require an alcohol monitor  for probation, bond conditions, pre-trial diversion, or as a condition  of the plea bargain. Sometimes we have  clients use the device  voluntarily during plea negotiations.

Q: I have a strange work schedule. Can we move the windows around?

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

Q: What happens if I miss a test?

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

Q: So, I can never miss a test?

A: Right. The goal is to have flawless reports. 

Q: What if I’m late?

A:  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.

Q: Can I drink one glass of wine? On my birthday? My wedding day? 

A: No. No alcohol at all. 

Q: What if I drink one drink right after a window, then wait until the end of the next window. Will it detect the alcohol?

A: Yes.

Q: Can’t I just tell the court it was mouthwash? Or Kombucha?

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

Q: What happens if the device detects alcohol?

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

Q: Is it ok to send you an email explaining why I missed the test? Or blew “hot” (alcohol in system)?

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

Q: I am using the device voluntarily. What are the consequences for blowing hot or missing a test?

A:  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.