In Montgomery County, the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program offers non-violent, first-time offenders a second chance after an arrest. Although this program is best suited to Pennsylvania DUI cases, the program is also open to those who face minor drug possession charges and some theft charges, such as shoplifting.
Successful completion of the Montgomery County ARD program will significantly lessen the long-term impact of your first-time DUI arrest. Having one of our Montgomery ARD lawyers assist you in the application and acceptance process may greatly increase your chance of acceptance into ARD. Our DUI attorneys have helped past clients complete and get accepted into the ARD program to better their lives and keep a conviction off of their records.
What Is the ARD Program?
The ARD program is a program Pennsylvania requires its counties to offer to people who stand accused of a crime and do not already have a criminal record. The program intends to give people a fresh start as opposed to a punishment. Offenders also have the opportunity to keep their criminal record clean if they successfully complete the ARD program. The ARD program focuses on rehabilitation and diversion.
While ARD is not available to all of those arrested for drunk driving or other offenses, working with an experienced attorney familiar with this application process and program can help you qualify. Our team of criminal defense attorneys handles ARD program applications regularly. You must have a lawyer to qualify for this program.
For a free legal consultation with an ard lawyer serving Montgomery County, call (610) 680-7842
What Are the Benefits of Participating in the ARD Program?
Compared to a standard Montgomery County DUI conviction, the ARD program offers several significant benefits, including:
- No jail time, as opposed to a potential sentence of up to one year;
- Reduced driver’s license suspension; and
- Potential for record expungement instead of a permanent criminal record.
Montgomery County ARD Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
How Does the Program Work?
Instead of entering a plea and going to trial for your DUI charges, you can apply for the ARD program. Upon acceptance, the DA will set forth a list of obligations required for program completion.
Although the specific terms of ARD participation may vary, you may have to:
- Attend Montgomery Country Alcohol Highway Safe Driving School;
- Perform the required number of community service hours;
- Report periodically to the Montgomery County Probation Department;
- Complete a drug or alcohol evaluation program;
- Participate in drug or alcohol education or other treatment programs; and
- Pass all required alcohol or drug testing.
Once you complete the program successfully, the court will withdraw your charges. This allows you to answer “no” if asked if your history includes a conviction of a crime. The charge (and dismissal) will continue to appear on your record unless you have it expunged. You can apply to have your record expunged, which will remove any indication of your arrest. Contact our lawyers for more information on the expungement process after a DUI after successfully completing all Pennsylvania ARD program requirements.
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How Do I Get Into the ARD Program?
Every Pennsylvania county administers its own ARD program, and each one has slightly different requirements. Many first-time DUI offenders will qualify. Our team can assess your case during your initial consultation with our team.
The Montgomery County ARD program requires that you submit an eight-page application form to the District Attorney (DA). Your attorney must submit your application within 30 days of your scheduled preliminary hearing date. Then, at the preliminary hearing, your lawyer must speak to the arresting officer and the prosecutor to convince them that ARD is the appropriate choice in your case.
If the DA accepts your application, the court will not require you to enter a plea in response to the charges against you. Our lawyers can help with your application and represent you at the hearing. We can increase the chances that the DA will accept your application so you can enter the ARD program.
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Will the DA Approve My Application for ARD?
ARD approval is not guaranteed for any applicant. Some specific conditions render you ineligible for the ARD program, including:
- Prior criminal or DUI convictions;
- Previous participation in an ARD program;
- Evidence of a DUI accident in which someone suffered an injury;
- Pending charges for assault, violence, or weapons crimes;
- Prior accusations of domestic violence, sex crimes, stalking, or witness intimidation;
- The presence of a minor child—under 14 years old—as a passenger during your DUI arrest.
All parties involved in your case, including the arresting officer and any potential victims of your crime, have the right to comment on your participation in the program as well.
Our ARD lawyers can review your history and other relevant circumstances and help you identify any potential challenges that could affect your approval. We can also advocate for you to the DA to help increase your chances of acceptance. If you do not qualify for the ARD program in Montgomery County, the criminal justice system will likely still offer other opportunities for a more favorable outcome in your case. Our attorneys can help you identify them and pursue those outcomes.
How Much Does the Program Cost?
Your cost for participating in the ARD program will vary depending on the circumstances of your case. The costs may include court costs, fees, restitution, supervision fees, and any other costs that the DA may assess.
Once you receive approval for the program, you must remit a portion of the total cost to the Montgomery County ARD Clerk of Court. The program administrator will establish a payment plan for the balance you owe and send it to you in the mail.
You must make your scheduled payments on time. If you fail to make your payments, the DA can remove you from the ARD program and send you back to trial and possible sentencing on the original charges. If you need help understanding your costs, contact our attorneys today. We can help make sense of the charges you face after a DUI.
What Happens If I Do Not Finish the ARD Program?
If you fail to comply with the terms of the ARD program or if you face an additional arrest before completing it, the DA will most likely remove you from the program.
At that point, your case goes back to the court system just as it would have had you not applied for ARD. Our attorneys can help you determine the appropriate course of action should this occur. We want to see you complete the program, so we will make sure the requirements are clear to give you the best chance of being successful.
What If I Do Not Receive Approval for ARD?
Unfortunately, the DA does not approve every applicant for the Montgomery County ARD program. If you have any of the disqualifying factors listed above, approval is unlikely. The DA can decline your application for any number of other reasons—or no reason at all.
In many cases, the DA does have the ability to make an exception. This is where one of our Montgomery County ARD lawyers can help. We can appeal directly to the DA to explain why you deserve acceptance into the program. Although this comes with no guarantee of success, it will improve your odds of having the DA reconsider and approve your application.
If the DA denies your application, we will work with you to decide how best to proceed with your case.
Benefits of McKenzie Law Firm, P.C
If you are charged with a DUI or other minor offense, you could qualify for the ARD program. The ARD program gives people the opportunity to right their wrongs and learn from their mistakes. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to help you get accepted into the ARD program if you’re eligible. We don’t want you to lose your driver’s license, serve time, complete hours of community service, or suffer the consequences of having a conviction on your record.
We Can Help You Qualify for the ARD Program
There are many benefits to having our firm represent you during the ARD application process. We have helped many past clients get approved for the program. By working with our firm, you can expect the following:
- A free consultation: We offer free consultations to potential clients. During the consultation, we will determine if you are a possible candidate for the ARD program. If so, we will explain the program, its benefits, and how we can help you qualify.
- We answer calls 24/7: After being charged with a DUI, you may be frightened and not know who to turn to. A member of our team is available 24/7 to answer your call. Once you are a client of ours, we will answer any questions you have about your case.
- Responsive communication: Our attorneys are very accessible through email, text, phone calls, and social media. If you reach out to your attorney, you will receive a prompt response. Once you are a client, you will always be able to get ahold of your lawyer.
- Frequent updates: We keep you updated on your case, so you always know what is going on. We will inform you of your legal rights and provide legal guidance so you can make informed decisions regarding your case. We will always explain all your legal options.
- We help our clients qualify for the ARD program: We have handled many ARD cases and understand the steps the application process involves.
Having a Montgomery ARD lawyer by your side through the ARD application process can take some of the weight off your shoulders. We want to see each of our clients reach the best possible outcome after being arrested and charged. The ARD program is a positive step to getting back to your life without having to live with a criminal conviction on your record.
How Do I Find a Lawyer to Help Me?
For more information about whether you qualify for the program or help with your application, contact the McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. We will help you take steps to recover from your DUI so you can move on with your life.
The McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., can help you understand your rights under the law and how the ARD process may benefit you. Contact our office today at (610) 680-7842 for a free consultation and case review. Once you become our client, we will answer any questions you have about the ARD program.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
