What is ARD in PA?

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (“ARD”) Program is supervised by the ARD Chief, who reviews criminal cases for potential admission. ARD is a unique program, approved by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, generally for first-time offenders who have no prior criminal convictions or prior ARD dispositions.

How does the ARD program work in PA?

The ARD Program is usually for first time offenders. The program is intended to encourage offenders to make a fresh start after participating in a rehabilitative program and offers them the possibility of dismissal of charges and the expungement of the offender's arrest record upon completion of the program.

How long is ARD program in PA?

The length of the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program can be anywhere from 6 to 24 months. For a typical DUI case, the length is usually 12 months.

What makes you eligible for ARD in PA?

ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition)

A DUI offense is eligible for ARD under the following circumstances: • It is a first offense within 10 years. No person, other than the offender, was killed or seriously injured. There was no passenger in the offender's vehicle under the age of 14 at the time of the offense.

What happens at an ARD hearing pa?

The A.R.D. hearing will be held in open court in the presence of the defendant, their attorney, a representative of the District Attorney and any victims who attend. At such hearing, if all court costs, fees and restitution are paid, the court will inform the defendant of the conditions of the A.R.D. Program.

What is the ARD Program in Pennsylvania? Do I Qualify? Should I accept the ARD Offer?

How much does the ARD program cost in PA?

The ARD program cost to you is $1,500 to $2,000. Under the ARD program, the mandatory license suspension depends on the Blood Alcohol Concentration. if you hold a Pennsylvania CDL license. In fact, CDL holders face a one-year license suspension whether convicted in court or through ARD.

Is Ard a conviction in PA?

A.R.D. is not a conviction and does not require a defendant to serve mandatory jail sentences associated with certain convictions. In order to be eligible for A.R.D., you must be a first time offender.

Do you get drug tested on ARD in PA?

The requirements of the ARD Program include:

Attend drug and/or alcohol counseling. Pass routine drug tests to ensure sobriety. Fulfill community service.

Can you drink on probation in PA?

Is Alcohol Prohibited On Probation? In most cases, no. You are allowed to drink alcohol while on probation. However, some individuals do have a specific condition of their probation that bans them from drinking alcohol.

What is ARD for DUI in PA?

If you're facing a first-time Pennsylvania DUI charge, you may be eligible for a program called A.R.D., or Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, which will allow you to resolve your PA driving under the influence case without a criminal record.

How long is ARD probation in PA?

ARD probation typically lasts either six months or one year, but can be as little as 30 days for Marijuana possession cases. Once classes and community service are complete the individual must stay arrest free during that period of time.

Can I buy a gun while on ARD in PA?

A: The result of ARD will be that you will have no conviction of a crime on your record. This will not preclude you from possessing a firearm or obtaining a permit.

How many times can you get ARD in PA?

An individual can be placed into the ARD program up to three times over a thirty-year period. What that means is, if you used it in 2000, then you are not eligible to use it again until 2011. If you used it in 2011 then not again until 2022.

What are the major components that must be discussed in an ARD meeting?

Your child's strengths. Your concerns for your child's education. The results of your child's most recent evaluation. Your child's academic, developmental, and functional needs.

Do you lose your license for first DUI in PA?

If you plead guilty to a first-offense DUI in Pennsylvania, you are subject to loss of license for one year. You will still be able to drive during all or part of your license suspension period if you install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.

What happens if you violate ARD probation?

If you have violated the terms of your ARD Probation, the court will schedule an ARD Probation Violation hearing. You will be required to attend this hearing, and your failure to attend will lead to the issuance of a warrant for your arrest.

Can you get off probation early in PA?

Can you terminate Pennsylvania probation early? Yes. Pennsylvania law gives judges the authority to release defendants from probation early. (Generally, to be released from probation early you have to pay off your fines, complete at least half of your probation and complete all court ordered classes and treatment.)

Can you leave the state on probation in PA?

One of the general terms of probation, whether it is informal or formal, is that you cannot move to another state until the probationary period ends.

What crimes usually get probation?

In criminal court, offenders may be sentenced to probation for certain charges such as driving while intoxicated (DWI), theft, assault, sex offenses, possession of firearms and burglary, among others.

How do I drop a drinking ticket in PA?

Guilty Plea, Convictions, and Suspensions For Underage Drinking Can Be Expunged After Age 21. If a person is convicted of or pled guilty to Underage Drinking, he or she is eligible to seek expungement of the charge after he or she has turned 21 years of age and has completed the sentence.

What is restrictive probation in PA?

The DUI/RP Program is a combination of Qualified Restrictive Probation Programs and Restorative Sanctions that satisfy the mandatory minimum requirements of multiple-offense DUI offenders facing 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year terms of imprisonment.

Does ARD count as first DUI in PA?

Not anymore. The Pennsylvania Superior Court has ruled that the portion of Pennsylvania's DUI statute which defines acceptance into ARD as a “prior offense” for sentencing enhancement purposes is unconstitutional.

How do you get your ARD expunged in PA?

Expungement of an ARD case requires filing a motion with the court and serving a copy upon the District Attorney in that county. When the case is complete, you will receive a copy of an order that is signed by the judge. The order instructs all relevant agencies to expunge any records of the case.

How do you beat a DUI in PA?

The best strategy to avoid any license suspension time is to hire a qualified and experienced DUI attorney to successfully fight your charges. Many counties in Pennsylvania have a program for certain first time offenders called Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, or ARD.

Can you get fired for a DUI in PA?

Even if you have a job that doesn't require a professional license, a DUI arrest can cause your employer to terminate your employment. To make matters worse, a DUI conviction can also make it difficult to find a subsequent job.