If you were arrested and are facing a first-time DUI (driving under the influence) charge, our Chester County Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) lawyer can help you resolve your case without adding a criminal conviction to your record. The ARD program focuses on treatment versus punishment for men and women facing a first offense. It can also protect your driving privileges.
The ARD program is not automatic. To participate and receive its benefits, you must apply, accept the program’s terms and conditions, and agree to a supervisory period of two years. Our criminal defense lawyer at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. will help you determine whether or not you qualify for the program. If so, we can help you apply.
Qualifying for the ARD Program
Because Pennsylvania’s ARD program is application-based, you must demonstrate your qualifications. You may be deemed a good candidate for the ARD program if:
- You are a first-time offender
- You have not had an offense in the preceding ten years
- No one was seriously or fatally injured
- No passenger in your vehicle was under the age of 14
If you have been arrested for DUI and want to preserve your good name and good standing in your community and profession, the ARD program can help. It can also help you retain your driver’s license. Our law firm will help you compile evidence that proves your right to recovery. We will also help you apply for the program and represent you at a hearing, if necessary.
ARD’s Terms and Conditions
In addition to meeting the ARD program’s basic requirements, you are also required to abide by its mandatory terms and conditions. These include:
- Attending an Alcohol Highway Safety School
- Participating in supervised probation for up to a year
- Proof of your D&A (drug and alcohol) assessment
- Mandatory driver’s license suspension
- Payment of restitution to anyone who incurred financial loss
- Payment of all required fees for participation
There may be other conditions you are required to meet. Our criminal defense lawyer will help you understand the conditions you must meet and help you develop a plan for compliance.
For a free legal consultation with an ard program lawyer lawyer serving Chester County, call (610) 680-7842
DUI Penalties You Might Face Without the ARD Program
If you do not qualify for the ARD program, you could face hefty fees and lengthy confinement. Penalties will vary according to your blood alcohol content (BAC). Our DUI lawyer will ensure it is accurately measured by verifying the results and challenging the calibration of BAC testing equipment.
We will also ensure police had probable cause to pull you over in the first place before you are subjected to DUI penalties.
General Impairment Penalties
This is the lightest penalty phase a first-time offender can face. If your BAC is measured between .08 to .099%, you could incur the following penalties:
- Charges of an ungraded misdemeanor
- Probation for as long as six months
- Fines of up to $300
- Attendance at Alcohol Highway Safety School
You may also be ordered to participate in additional treatment where warranted. We will make sure you understand your penalties and comply with them.
High BAC Penalties
Your BAC is considered to be high if it measures between .10 to .159%. The penalties of this BAC include:
- Being charged with an ungraded misdemeanor
- Having your license suspended for 12 months
- Incarceration of between two days and six months
- A fine of $500 to $5,000
- Attendance at Alcohol Highway Safety School
You will also face additional treatment when ordered to do so. We will clarify your penalties and help you develop a plan of compliance.
Highest BAC Penalties
The highest BAC of .16% or higher exposes you to the harshest penalties of a first-time offense. These include:
- Being charged with an ungraded misdemeanor
- Having your license suspended for 12 months
- Three days to six months of imprisonment
- Fines of $1,000 to $5,000
- Attendance at Alcohol Highway Safety School
You must also comply with any additional treatment ordered for you, according to Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles (PennDOT) guidelines.
Chester County Ard Program Lawyer Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
Our DUI Lawyer Is on Your Side
A Chester County DUI does not have to derail your life. If you are a first-time offender, we can help you prove you qualify to join the state’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. When you are represented by McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we will:
- Listen to you with compassion and without judgment
- Gather supporting evidence and documents
- Keep you updated as your case progresses
Agreeing to representation has many benefits. Once we mutually agree on representation, we are easily accessible by email, text, phone, and social media. In short, you will always have a way to contact your lawyer.
Successfully completing the ARD program will mean your DUI charge could be expunged from your driving record. Our team works hard to prove you meet the program’s criteria and to complete it effectively.
See Why Others Trust Us to Fight for Them
The ARD program can be complex. Our legal team can help you navigate it. Clients we previously assisted with the ARD program said:
- “He was respectful, professional and guided me through the complicated journey of the ARD program – he consistently returned my calls, e-mails and texts and was with me every step of the way…I would highly recommend David McKenzie.” — Nicholas
- “I hired David and he did a great job…He then guided me through the ARD application process, and I was eventually accepted and admitted into the program. I would recommend David to any person facing a DUI or another criminal charge.” — Anonymous
Choosing the right lawyer to help you fight back against a DUI and its penalties is important. Our lawyer never stops fighting for you to get a second chance.
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Get Help From Our Traffic Crimes Lawyer
If you or someone you love was arrested for DUI in Chester County for the first time, our DUI lawyer can help. We will explain the benefits of Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) and help you apply for it. Contact one of our McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. traffic crimes team members to review your case by calling today.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
