The Marin Independent Journal reports on a teacher facing DUI charges where the prosecutor asked the judge for the accused to wear an alcohol monitoring device.
25-year-old Sophia Grace Sopuch was allegedly four times the legal limit when she caused a crash in Novato. She was arraigned on Monday on charges of two felony counts of DUI and driving with an open container.
The crash happened at about 6:45 a.m. on September 9th on northbound highway 101 just north of Atherton Avenue.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Sopuch, who was driving a Toyota Rav4, changed lanes and crashed into a Honda CR-V.
The driver of the Honda was an unidentified Novato woman, 67 years of age. She reported back, neck, and head pain, but did not require an ambulance. She had a 3-year-old passenger who was not injured.
The CHP reported that Sopuch stated she was driving home from a bar and admitted to being intoxicated. Officers also noted an open 12-ounce can of beer in the center console.
Deputy District Attorney Otis Bruce requested that the judge order Sopuch to wear an alcohol monitoring device as a condition of being released.
The judge declined the proposal, but did order that Sopuch attend three meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous a week. He also ordered that she abstain from alcohol.
As a part of a person’s DUI conviction, a person may be required to install an ignition interlock device. This device keeps a person from being able to drive drunk. While ignition interlock devices are effective, if a judge believes a person may be suffering from alcohol addiction, they may be required to wear an alcohol monitoring device. This device will report if a person drinks any alcohol at all. The device is about the size of an old-school pager and is attached to the ankle. It detects the presence of alcohol through a person’s sweat.
