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. The Pennsylvania DUI attorneys at Zachary B. Cooper, Attorney at Law, P.C. can answer all of your questions about ARD and help you determine whether it may be an option in your Pennsylvania drunk driving case.
A.R.D. is a program that emphasizes treatment instead of incarceration. Some counties have different guidelines, but, generally, in order to be eligible for accelerated rehabilitative disposition, you cannot have been convicted of DUI in the past 10 years. If you were involved in a crash that caused serious injury or death or had a child younger than 14 in the vehicle at the time of arrest, you're not eligible for A.R.D. Some counties require you to be properly licensed and insured to be eligible for the program, as well.
If you're accepted for ARD in a Pennsylvania DUI case, you'll be under the court's supervision - similar to probation - for six months. You'll also be required to pay restitution if ordered and all court fines and fees. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be subject to license suspension in Pennsylvania for30 to 90 days. It is possible to avoid suspension altogether in some cases.
You will also be required to complete an alcohol highway safety class at your cost. You must undergo alcohol and/or drug treatment if recommended by the court. Your insurance may cover treatment, but if not, you'll be responsible for the cost.
If you complete all of the requirements for A.R.D., your Pennsylvania DUI charge will be dismissed and you won't have a criminal record from your driving under the influence arrest. You may then also be able to expunge the DUI arrest from your record. If you fail to meet the requirements after being accepted into the A.R.D. program, the charges against you will be reinstated and you'll be prosecuted for driving under the influence.
ARD can bring a satisfactory outcome to your first-time Pennsylvania DUI case, but it's not your only option. It may be possible to reach a favorable plea bargain or successfully fight your driving under the influence charge in court. It may be possible to avoid license suspension altogether. A Pennsylvania DUI lawyer at Zachary B. Cooper, Attorney at Law, P.C. can help you determine whether A.R.D. or another option can bring a satisfactory outcome to your driving under the influence case. Please contact us today for a free consultation.