With the astounding success o the DUI Court program resided over by Judge Richard Vlavianos, San Joaquin County has been granted $750,000 to help establish similar programs. The program is a two-track system focusing on those who have an underlying addiction to alcohol and those who may not need an intensive program. DUI Court requires that participants remain sober while completing the program. This is monitored 24 hours a day, 7days a week through a SCRAM CAM bracelet worn under a pant leg. The device is tamper-resistant and tests a person’s alcohol consumption as it is secreted through the sweat glands. The program holds participant’s accountable. Many find that for the first time in their lives they have to comply with sobriety. This allows them to take charge of their actions and make necessary changes or face severe consequences through the court.
The program also requires participants to complete inpatient or outpatient counseling depending on the severity of the case. Some people may enter the program at a point where they require a residential program and others are able to complete it with individual cognitive behavioral therapy and group counseling. The results speak for themselves, as the program has been cost effective and resulted in a reduction of DUIs including repeat offenders.