A Free Discovery Session

Alternative Rehabilitative Disposition

Book a Discovery Session

Alternative Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) In Pennsylvania

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a unique diversionary program available to certain offenders called Alternative Rehabilitative Disposition, or ARD. Diversion means that a criminal case is resolved without a trial. Much of the criminal court proceedings up to and including a trial will be “diverted” in favor of an alternative agreement between the prosecution and defendant.

This means no guilty plea will be entered, and upon successful completion, your charges will be dropped and then qualify to be expunged from all government records. If you are facing a 1 year driver’s license suspension, ARD will reduce this to either 30 or 60 days, depending on your alleged BAC. Your attorney may be able to reduce this time even further, depending on the county and circumstances.

ARD programs in Pennsylvania vary by county, and each alternative agreement will be arranged on a specific per-case basis. Before any alternative agreements are reached, however, the prosecution must permit an ARD, and the defendant must also qualify to enter into one.

Qualifying For A DUI ARD In PA

The threshold qualifications are the same in all counties to apply for a DUI ARD program. They are:

  • No previous ARDs for DUI during the last 10 years, unless for an ungraded misdemeanor.
  • No prior convictions for DUI during last 10 years, unless for an ungraded misdemeanor.
  • No passengers in defendant’s vehicle were under the age of 14.
  • Valid driver’s license at time of DUI arrest.
  • No physical injuries to others were involved.

Qualifying is just the first step toward an ARD. The requirements for the successful completion the program are normally stringent and quite involved. For example, the participant will need to be supervised by a probation officer for a period of 6 months. However, in Allegheny County, probation for ARD is non-reporting. Alcohol safety school and additional alcohol assessments and treatment programs will also need to be completed.

If any requirement is not met, the participant will quickly become the defendant once again, as the district attorney will move to vacate the ARD and pick up prosecution for the crime where it left off. For this reason, most defense attorneys will only recommend ARD for DUI when it is likely the best or only option for the accused.

An ARD may be the best option for college and college-bound students. You will need to review with your lawyer all the types of funding you use, or plan to use, to pay for your college tuition. Depending on the type, an ARD may be the only option to ensure you will not lose eligibility for certain grants, scholarships, and loans.

4 Essential Points To Keep In Mind

  1. You must apply through the court for ARD by the time of your preliminary hearing. DUI hearings receive priority scheduling on the docket, so time to apply is limited.
  2. Remember that you and your criminal defense attorney need to carefully evaluate all of your options, including any DUI defenses or lesser charges, before deciding on ARD.
  3.  You will only avoid a conviction after you prove you have fully met all the terms of the ARD.
  4. ARD for a DUI charge can only be used once in 10 years, so use it wisely.

For more information about the ARD programs for DUI offenders in Pittsburgh, Ebensburg, or Cambria County, call us today: Pittsburgh & Ebensburg: (814) 546-5200(814) 546-5200. Our team will review all of your options with you during a COMPLIMENTARY Discovery Session with a Client Relations Specialist.

Real Clients, Real Reviews

My experience with Tibbott & Richardson has not only been outstanding, they always manage to make me feel like I’m their only client. In particular, Beth and Dana, have both become like part of my family. I have never before witnessed a more professional, punctual and dedicated Team of highly professional and result oriented efforts in my 47 years. I not only recommend Beth and her Team, but I implore you to find it imperative to have Beth represent you in any situation in which you find it a necessity to achieve success. I personally will never walk another day without the representation of such a high-powered agency that treats me and my family as VIP always. #TeamTibbottWeAre!

Brandon

I would without a doubt recommend Tibbot & Richardson to anyone looking at a DUI case. They were very professional, very thorough and very nice to work with. Beth gave me my life back in my opinion. People make mistakes, and they understand that, and they fight to make sure you’ll be able to move on from your case, not have life ruined because of it. I owe my career and family life to Beth, she really did give me a great opportunity to turn life around! I’d give 10 stars if I could! Professional, Thourough & Nice To Work With

Jason

Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Click to Call (412) 690-0225

Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Click to Call (412) 690-0225

Our Locations

Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Click to Call (412) 690-0225

Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Click to Call (412) 690-0225

Our Latest Blogs

View More Blogs