Charged With DUI? Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program May Be An Option.
If you are facing your first DUI conviction, an alternative solution may be participating in the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program. This is a one-time pretrial intervention program for nonviolent offenders with no prior record of DUI convictions. Participating in this program will increase the likelihood of avoiding more serious expenses and penalties associated with a DUI conviction as well as charges being dismissed and expunged from your criminal record.
Eligibility For ARD Participation
The stipulations for being accepted into Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) may include:
- A court reporting network assessment of alcohol use and lifestyle
- Completing alcohol safety school
- A probationary period of 12 months
- Community service
- Payment of restitution
- Fines and associated court costs
- A driver’s license suspension of zero to three months
If you have had a previous DUI conviction or participated in ARD or another similar program, you will not be eligible for ARD. Please be aware that not every first-time DUI offender will gain acceptance into the ARD program.
How To Get Started
If you will be participating in ARD, you must complete the following within 30 days of receiving your charge:
- Waive the preliminary hearing
- Fill out and submit an ARD application to the District Attorney’s Office with a copy of your complaint and affidavit
- Sign a continuance form
- Make an appointment for a Court Reporting Network assessment at 717-299-8181
Our attorneys can help you complete these tasks and guide you through the process.
Learn More About ARD And Other Legal Options During An Initial Consultation
Even if you plan to pursue an ARD program, it can still be very helpful to work with a skilled attorney. To discuss what Chieppor & Egner LLC can do for you, call us in Lancaster at 717-985-8358 or fill out an online contact form.