Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD)

Keeping A Conviction Off Your Record

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program is available to those individuals who are nonviolent and have little to no prior record. Generally, individuals enter this program when they have been charged with a first offense for driving under the influence (DUI). However, this program may be available for individuals who have been charged with other nonviolent crimes such as theft crimes.

To apply for the six-month program, an individual must fill out an ARD application and waive his or her preliminary hearing and formal arraignment. Individuals who are accepted into the program will face various requirements to complete it. The most common are drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment, community service, payment of restitution, fines and costs, and alcohol safety school (for those charged with DUI).

If the case involves DUI, the person entering the program will also have to surrender his or her driver’s license. The period of suspension will vary, but will not exceed one year.

Finally, successful completion of the ARD program will allow the person to have the charges expunged from his or her record.

Benefits Of The ARD Program

One of the benefits of the ARD program is the reduction of the license suspension the individual faces if accepted. The list below details the current suspensions under the ARD program:

  • BAC .08-.099: no suspension
  • BAC .10-.159: 30-day suspension
  • BAC .16-.299: 60-day suspension
  • BAC .30-or greater: 60-day suspension and one year guardian interlock
  • If there is an accident involving damage to property or injury: 60-day suspension
  • If the defendant was underage when arrested: 90-day suspension

Defending You Against Criminal Charges

Our work on DUI charges includes researching the allegations and working to prove that the officer exercised neither reasonable suspicion nor probable cause in stopping the vehicle and in investigating the DUI. Our commitment to our clients is to passionately defend them against all unfair charges and penalties.

If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence and you live in West Chester or Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, contact the lawyers of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP at 610-314-7066.