Pennsylvania ARD Program

In Pennsylvania there is a pre-trial intervention program called Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD). The premise of the program is to divert first time, non-violent offenders from the criminal justice process. Often times those who apply for admission into the ARD program are those charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

The ARD program stays any jail time or other penalties provided the accused adheres to ARD probation and complies with certain terms & conditions. Pending charges are dismissed once the accused successfully completes the ARD program.

Regardless of whether or not you are charged with a DUI or some other non-violent crime there are steps that must be taken to gain acceptance to the ARD program. The first step is a recommendation from the District Attorney's office. A judge may not admit someone into the program on their own. A judge ultimately decides who is admitted and who is not at a hearing after the DA's recommendation.

An application must be submitted by the accused to the DA's office prior to the cutoff date. From there, the DA reviews the application and makes a determination regarding who will be recommended. In most cases this decision cannot be appealed.

As the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program is a pre-trial program it is imperative that the accused complete all application processes prior to trial. Should someone opt to exercise their right to a trial and is convicted or found guilty that person may not be admitted to the ARD program. With that, it is important any potential trial issues be addressed in the early stages of the criminal justice process and prior to the ARD application deadline.

Benefits of the ARD program

If the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a solid case, and the person possibly qualifies for the ARD program, it may seem like a viable option to have the accused apply for the ARD program. There are several benefits to the ARD program compared to a conviction such as:

No Incarceration: Jail time is stayed pending completion of the ARD program

Reduced License Suspension: Someone admitted into the ARD program will have their license suspended for a lesser term than someone not in the ARD program. In Pennsylvania a license is suspended for 1 year on a first offense DUI.

Criminal Charge Expungement: Successful completion of all ARD terms & conditions are eligible to have all records of the arrest & ARD program destroyed from Pennsylvania government agency files as well as databanks.

Contact a skilled Pennsylvania ARD & DUI Attorney

If you have been charged with Driving Under the Influence in Pennsylvania contact the Law Office of Donze & Donze to explore your rights. They can be reached at (610) 444-8018. Or, click here to email the firm.