First Offense DUI & ARD
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition in Pennsylvania
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) is a Pennsylvania alternative sentencing program designed for first-time, nonviolent offenders. People charged with a first- offense DUI may be eligible for ARD. Admission into the ARD program results in no jail time and a greatly reduced license suspension.
Because each county’s district attorney’s 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 DUI defense lawyer.
Some counties require a defendant to have an attorney in order to qualify for ARD, whereas others will reject an applicant initially based upon factors such as an accident, minors in the vehicle, or a high blood alcohol level (BAC). We can help not only with assisting in your application answers, but also with advice as to steps you can take to make you a more viable candidate. Should you be denied admission into ARD, we can also help with the re-consideration process.
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 for a free consultation.
Experienced Harleysville First-Offense DUI and ARD Attorneys
The criminal defense attorneys of Fiore & Barber, LLC offer aggressive and capable legal services to individuals throughout the greater Norristown area, from our office conveniently located in Harleysville.
When you consult with us regarding a DUI arrest, we will clearly explain all your options as well as the most likely outcome of your case, based on our extensive experience. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, we may advise options other than Alternative Rehabilitative Disposition. These options include:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop, resulting in dismissal of the charges
- Challenging the field sobriety test or the Breathalyzer test, in an attempt to achieve dismissal of the charges
- Negotiation of the charges down to a lesser offense such as reckless driving
- Trial to seek a not-guilty verdict
How Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Works
If you qualify for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, the charges against you are left open while you complete the ARD program. For a DUI, this usually includes a period of probation, community service, safe driving education, possible driver’s license suspension and/or alcohol treatment/counseling. After successful completion, 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.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation After a DUI Arrest
We understand the fear and frustration you feel after being arrested for DUI. The lawyers at Fiore & Barber, LLC remain straightforward and honest with you, giving you practical advice and diligent defense to help you throughout the process. Call us today at 215-256-0205 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation. Our hours are flexible to meet your needs.
With offices in Harleysville and Center Valley, PA, Fiore & Barber, LLC serves clients in Montgomery County and Bucks County in southeastern Pennsylvania, including the Municipality of Norristown and the Borough of Doylestown.