Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition in Pennsylvania
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) is a program designed for first-time, non-violent offenders for which people charged with a first offense DUI may be eligible. Admission into the ARD program results in no jail time and a greatly reduced license suspension.
Because each county's District Attorneys Office has its own eligibility requirements and conditions for admission into its Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program, cases that may qualify for ARD in one county might not for another. It may be hard to take full advantage of this program without the help of a knowledgeable attorney.
To consult with an experienced DUI attorney to determine if you are eligible for admission into the Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition Program in your county, contact Fiore & Barber, LLC today.
If you qualify for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, the charges against you are left open. When you complete the ARD program — for a DUI, this usually includes a period of probation, community service, safe driving education, license suspension and/or alcohol treatment — you may petition the court to have your criminal record expunged of the DUI. However, if you are arrested for DUI again, within 10 years, you will be charged at the second offense level, with all the potential DUI penalties that apply.
DUI Expungement in Pennsylvania
Criminal records should be expunged, if possible, so that employee background checks do not uncover records of the arrest and disposition; furthermore, if you receive ARD you will not have to disclose a conviction or charge to anyone, including current or prospective employers. It is important to retain an attorney who will be diligent in making sure these Pennsylvania and federal agencies follow through with their court-ordered directives and destroy these records.
It is important to note that PennDOT will keep a record of the DUI charge against you, even if it is handled through Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition and expunged. Some employers, like trucking companies, will still be able to find out about the charge.
At the law firm of Fiore & Barber, LLC, our lawyers will help you weigh your options and pursue the option that protects your rights and interests in the immediate circumstances and in the long run. Make your next move the best move. To discuss your case with a lawyer who knows the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition system and who will fight for the best outcome available under the law in your DUI or other criminal case, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Our office is conveniently located in Harleysville, halfway between Philadelphia and Allentown. We serve clients in the greater Norristown area and throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.
