In Washington State, courts may impose various conditions as part of a defendant’s pretrial release. One such condition—alcohol monitoring—is commonly ordered in DUI and alcohol-related cases. A recent clarification letter from the Lower Kittitas County District Court, dated December 31, 2025, outlines how this requirement is to be implemented and enforced in Kittitas County.
What Is Alcohol Monitoring?
Alcohol monitoring involves using technology to ensure a defendant abstains from alcohol while awaiting trial. The court permits two types of monitoring devices:
- Bracelet-worn devices (e.g., SCRAM)
- Hand-held breath testing devices
These devices must be provided and managed by court-approved alcohol monitoring providers. The list of approved providers is maintained by Kittitas County Misdemeanant Probation and updated regularly.
Pretrial Enforcement: In Custody vs. Out of Custody
The court’s letter provides clear guidance on how alcohol monitoring should be enforced depending on the defendant’s custody status:
- In Custody: The court order will specify whether alcohol monitoring must be in place before the defendant is released.
- Out of Custody: The court order will provide a specific deadline by which the defendant must provide proof of monitoring compliance to Misdemeanant Probation.
Corrections staff may not release a defendant to an alcohol monitoring agency that is not on the approved list unless Probation expressly authorizes it.
Why the Clarification Matters
This letter replaces previous communications—including a 2014 letter from Judge James Hurson—and ensures consistent application of alcohol monitoring standards across agencies like Corrections and Probation. It helps reduce confusion about which providers are acceptable and under what circumstances monitoring must be initiated.
Judge Paul R. Sander emphasized that this policy remains in effect until a written revision is issued by the court.
Visit the Lower Kittitas County District Court
For more information about court procedures and access to forms or court schedules, you can visit the Lower Kittitas County District Court website.
Contact Blanford Law for Legal Guidance
If you’re facing pretrial conditions or have questions about alcohol monitoring requirements in Kittitas County, contact Blanford Law today at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253-720-9304 for knowledgeable legal support tailored to your case.
Additional Resources
Kittitas County Community Service Sites
A helpful list of approved community service locations for fulfilling court-ordered service hours in Kittitas County.
Double Jeopardy and Retrial in Washington State
Learn when the state can retry a defendant and how double jeopardy protections apply under Washington law.
New Year’s Day DUI in Kittitas County
This article outlines what to expect if you’re arrested for DUI over the holiday and how local courts handle these cases.
Understanding Car Insurance Requirements in Washington
Review what types of auto insurance are legally required and how coverage affects liability and compensation.
What Happens Next? The Pretrial Services Process
A step-by-step guide to what defendants can expect after arrest and before trial in Washington courts.