ARD stands for Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition. It’s a program in Pennsylvania for first-time DUI offenders. Even if this is your first DUI, Pennsylvania law requires a mandatory minimum sentence of two days of jail unless the Defendant successfully completes ARD. However, by being accepted into and completing ARD, you may be able to avert jail.
To see if you will qualify for ARD, you will need to seek the counsel an attorney since different counties in PA have different requirements. Generally, if this is your first DUI offense, you should qualify provided that your DUI did not result in an accident causing injury or death and a child under the age of 14 was not in the vehicle.
If you are accepted into ARD, you’ll still have to pay court costs and fees, your license can be suspended from 30 to 90 days, you’ll be under probation for a certain period of time, and you’ll have to enroll in an alcohol highway safety class at your cost. However, if you successfully complete the program, your DUI charge will be dismissed and you will not have a DUI on your criminal record. If you fail to fulfill the program requirements, you’ll be prosecuted for the DUI.
ARD is strongly recommended for most first-time DUI offenses, but a plea bargain or fighting the charges in court are also options for you. To see what option is best for you, please call (484) 362-9286 for a consultation.
