Soberlink Reviews: America’s Leading Alcohol Testing Tool

Sponsored content written by the Soberlink team

Soberlink has been the #1 alcohol monitoring system in Family Law for over a decade. This comprehensive system empowers Family Lawyers to address alcohol-related concerns with an evidence-based approach. This system is not only court-admissible in child custody cases in all 50 states and Canada, but it also gives Family Lawyers and Family Court Judges a proven way to monitor parents’ sobriety and prevent alcohol misuse while children are present.

“I try to use Soberlink as a way to minimize conflict, protect children, and get to the root of the problem, and also to potentially show there isn’t a problem,” Seth Nelson, Managing Partner at Nelson Law Group, shares.

If you are interested in learning more about the Soberlink Device and how it can help your divorce clients and their families, read this in-depth review. This guide covers everything you need to know about this remote alcohol monitoring technology, explaining how the all-inclusive alcohol monitoring system works.

What is a Soberlink Device?

The Soberlink Device is a portable alcohol testing system designed to measure, track, and share a client’s alcohol levels throughout the day. Combining a handheld, professional-grade breathalyzer with state-of-the-art features like facial recognition and tamper detection sensors, Soberlink can thoroughly monitor a client’s sobriety in real-time. These features help to ensure that the client is not cheating the system in ways such as:

Having another person test,
Utilizing air pumps, or
Altering the device physically.

“I think Soberlink by far, compared to any of the other devices that I’ve seen, has done a really good job technology-wise of identifying how people might manipulate results and finding fixes for them,” Reagan Riddle, Partner at Armstrong Divorce & Family Law, shares.

Moreover, Soberlink has created Advanced Reporting technology, which displays the testing data in an easy-to-read calendar format, utilizing colored icons so, at a glance, you’ll know when the test happened and whether the test was compliant.

How Does Soberlink Work?

To use Soberlink, the client discreetly submits an alcohol breath test with the portable device anytime, anywhere. The device then automatically verifies their identity with built-in facial recognition. Finally, their test results are sent in real-time to selected contacts.

These contacts can then review testing history via Soberlink’s Advanced Reporting.

What happens if someone submits a positive test? Because alcohol can be detected on the breath for reasons other than being consumed (such as using mouthwash or toothpaste), Soberlink considers the first positive test a screening test and prompts the client to begin a Retest Cycle. The Retest Cycle alerts the client to submit additional tests every 15 minutes until they are compliant.

By analyzing the test data points, the Soberlink team can help determine whether the results were consistent with that of consumed alcohol. This retesting feature is unique to the Soberlink Device and demonstrates its commitment to providing accurate and reliable results.

Expert reviews agree that the Soberlink Device is easy enough to use multiple times a day to support parents’ accountability and sobriety. It is portable and discreet, making it the perfect tool to use two or three times daily, as Soberlink’s Best Practices Document recommends.

“I remember when I first found out about Soberlink, and I thought, “This is going to change the way every divorce deals with alcohol,” Jeff Domen, Partner at Goranson Bain Ausley, remarks.

How Much Does Soberlink Cost?

You can find Soberlink’s pricing at www.soberlink.com/pricing.

Soberlink requires a device purchase and a monthly monitoring fee.

Device Price

Soberlink offers two device options that make it accessible to almost everyone: the Connect Device, which uses Bluetooth to send tests via the user’s smartphone’s WiFi or cellular data, and the Cellular Device, which sends tests directly using a cellular connection.

For device cost savings of up to $250, clients can sign a Minimum Term Contract of 120-Days or 365-Days.

Soberlink Devices start at $299.

Monitoring Fee

The monitoring fee depends on the client’s choice of program and plan.

Soberlink offers two programs: Level 1 – Parenting Time Only and Level 2 – Daily Testing. To help clients decide, Soberlink offers a video explaining the differences between Level 1 and Level 2.

Monitoring fees start at $129/month.

Soberlink Level 1 – Parenting Time Only Program

Level 1 testing, as suggested by its name, is specifically conducted around or during parenting times, offering a flexible approach to accommodate the ever-changing nature of custodial schedules that can impact these times. This flexibility grants co-parents the autonomy to set their own testing schedules. Consequently, Soberlink does not send reminders or alerts for missed tests under Level 1; the system only notifies about tests that are either compliant or positive.

Learn more about Soberlink Level 1.

Soberlink Level 2 – Daily Testing Program

The Level 2 Daily Testing Program is designed for clients who need to undergo testing every day. Clients themselves establish a fixed schedule, opting for 2 to 3 tests daily. Under this program, Soberlink actively sends reminders for tests and notifies about missed tests, as well as compliant and positive results. Should clients require adjustments to their testing schedule, they can easily reach out to Soberlink’s support team for assistance.

Learn more about Soberlink Level 2.

Plan Options

Within the Level 1 and Level 2 Programs, clients will then choose a Basic, Plus, or Premium Plan. Based on their selection, clients can choose from various features such as email or text alerts in real-time or the next day, and how many people can receive results.

How to Get Started with Soberlink?

Soberlink is a direct-to-customer product, so clients can easily go online to start the purchase process, making it easy for Family Law professionals to recommend it.

Steps to purchase Soberlink:

Visit https://www.soberlink.com/start-the-process
Select a program and plan.
Select a device and commitment level.
Check out to purchase the device.
Complete the monitoring agreement that was sent via email.

Soberlink’s monitoring agreements are designed to establish clear expectations and define the responsibilities of involved parties. These agreements are mandatory and must be in writing, involving both the individual using Soberlink (referred to as the Monitored Client) and the co-parent or another individual tasked with the child’s safety (known as the Concerned Party). In contrast to other self-monitoring systems that do not require agreements or contracts, Soberlink’s approach aims to minimize misunderstandings and provide clear guidance in situations where tests are missed or yield positive results.

Soberlink and Divorce

Alcohol and substance misuse issues can certainly have an impact during or after a divorce. Soberlink Devices offer real-time monitoring of a parent’s alcohol consumption, supplying Family Courts with precise and reliable evidence of sobriety that can be critical in decisions regarding child custody.

“When it comes to custody and alcohol cases, Soberlink is your best friend in the fight.” – Bob, Soberlink Client

How is Soberlink Used in Divorce?

Parents accused of excessive drinking that potentially endangers their children often face challenges in demonstrating their suitability as caregivers to a Family Court Judge. In such cases, the Court may stipulate the need for dependable alcohol monitoring before awarding custody or visitation rights.

Soberlink addresses this requirement by offering objective proof of sobriety and compliance to the Family Court Judge, thereby facilitating more informed decisions regarding child custody and visitation. Additionally, Soberlink’s testing reassures the other co-parent of the monitored individual’s responsible behavior when caring for their children.

“Soberlink provided concrete, scientific, daily proof that I was sober. And in time, my behavior, attitudes, and demeanor reflected that science.” -Krista, Soberlink Client

Soberlink also serves as a powerful tool for parents wrongly accused of alcohol misuse. A consistent record of negative test results from Soberlink can affirm ongoing sobriety and the absence of alcohol use. Regular use of Soberlink provides indisputable evidence, clearing falsely accused parents effectively so they can continue building positive relationships with their children.

“I now have a two-year testing history that shows that my ex’s allegations are flat-out false.” – Dustin, Soberlink Client

What Are Soberlink’s Advantages for Family Law Situations?

Soberlink’s role in Family Law cases is to prove sobriety and promote accountability, not as a punitive measure. This approach and the following features give Soberlink an edge over other monitoring alternatives regarding its effectiveness in custody and alcohol cases:

Discreet and Portable Breathalyzer: Soberlink’s cutting-edge, remote breathalyzer is designed for convenience and discretion, enabling users to prove their sobriety anytime, anywhere.
Instant Notification System: BAC readings are immediately transmitted to designated parties through text or email, facilitating open communication and restoring trust.
Intuitive Software: User-friendly software ensures a seamless experience for users and monitors, streamlining the process of alcohol level management.
Facial Recognition Technology: With advanced facial recognition, Soberlink automatically verifies the identity of the person being tested, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

Tamper Detection Sensors: Equipped with sophisticated sensors, the system effectively detects any tampering attempts, maintaining the integrity of the testing process.

Further, Soberlink has expert support services in place to assist Family Law Professionals.

Required consent from both parents (Monitored Clients and Concerned Parties) secured by signing a monitoring agreement before testing
Advanced Reporting using AI that displays easy-to-read court-admissible test history
Expert evaluations provided by an in-house Compliance Department
Certification or Authenticated Records of test results
Testimony, if requested
Dedicated representatives who provide appropriate training and education to Family Law Professionals

Soberlink has even created a Judge’s Bench Card, in partnership with The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), to assist Judges with making child custody decisions involving alcohol misuse that are both safe for children and fair for all parties involved.

Soberlink FAQ

How accurate are test results?

In a third-party document by the Justice Speaker’s Institute, they say, “Soberlink is increasingly accepted for use in Family Courts in contested custody cases. The reliability of the accuracy fuel cell breathalyzer technology used by Soberlink has been established through repeated testing and publication in peer-reviewed journals.” (Hora, Wallace, & MacKenzie, 2018).

Has Soberlink been challenged in Court?

In a third-party document by the Justice Speaker’s Institute, their research “establishes that the Soberlink Device is a reliable measurement instrument admissible under both Frye and Daubert standards that can accurately detect the presence of alcohol so long as the proper foundation is established.” (Hora, Wallace, & MacKenzie, 2018).

Does Soberlink work internationally?

Yes, Soberlink offers devices that work internationally.

Is it possible to verify that the right person is taking the test?

Soberlink’s facial recognition technology validates identity at the moment of testing (much like your phone’s facial ID feature), eliminating the need for manual inspection.

What about temperature restrictions?

Breath tests should be conducted in temperatures between 32°F and 122°F for the most accurate results. The Soberlink Device will not send the test result and will indicate that it is too hot or cold if the test is attempted outside of this temperature range.

What happens if a test result is positive?

Since there are substances such as mouthwash or toothpaste that can leave traces of alcohol on the breath even when alcohol hasn’t been consumed, Soberlink views the first positive test as a screening test and instructs the customer to begin the Retest Cycle. Every fifteen minutes, the Retest Cycle notifies the client to submit further tests until they are in compliance. The Soberlink staff can assist in determining whether the results were consistent with alcohol consumption by examining the test data points.