If you were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), another non-violent crime, or a first-time offense in West Norriton, PA, you might be able to participate in the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program instead of facing jail time and significant fines.
Our West Norriton criminal defense attorney from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. handles ARD program applications in Montgomery County, PA, regularly. We know how to identify a good candidate for this program, navigate the application process, and help clients complete the requirements. Our West Norriton ARD program lawyer can also explain alternative approaches for clients who may not qualify.
Our West Norriton ARD Program Attorneys Understand How This Program Works
All counties in Pennsylvania offer the ARD program as a way to help those without a criminal history avoid having a record over a relatively minor, non-violent offense. If you are accused of a crime such as DUI or minor drug possession in West Norriton, you might qualify for the ARD program.
This program’s goals include diversion and rehabilitation. By completing the requirements of the Montgomery County ARD program, you can avoid a criminal record and the consequences of a criminal conviction.
Each program participant has unique terms set by the District Attorney or another party who oversees the ARD program in their area. In Montgomery County, this often includes:
- Undergoing a drug and/or alcohol evaluation
- Completing drug or alcohol treatment, if recommended
- Attending Alcohol Highway Safe Driving School or another traffic school
- Performing community service hours
- Reporting to the Montgomery County Probation Department regularly
- Reporting for drug and alcohol testing as requested
When a participant is accepted into the program, the courts freeze the case against them. When they successfully complete it, the court will drop the charges. This means they will not have a conviction on their record and can pass a background check for a job, apartment rental, or professional license.
It is sometimes possible to clear their record of the charge and dismissal, too. Our attorneys help clients expunge their records by navigating the process to do so. This removes all mention of the arrest and charges from the record.
For a free legal consultation with an ard program lawyer serving West Norriton, call (610) 680-7842
Our West Norriton ARD Program Lawyer Can Assess Your Program Qualifications
First-time DUI offenders often meet the criteria for the Montgomery County ARD program if they have an otherwise clear record. However, not all applicants will be accepted. Because our ARD program lawyers handle these applications frequently, we have a good idea of who best meets the program criteria and who might be a good candidate. We will assess your options during your initial consultation with our team.
While ARD approval is not promised for any applicant, we understand what makes a good candidate. We know what the District Attorney’s Office is looking for when they consider an application and will help you complete your paperwork if we believe you are likely to be accepted. We also help clients explore other options for a positive outcome in their cases as necessary.
Some reasons why you might not be a good fit for the ARD program after a West Norriton, PA, arrest include:
- You have a prior DUI charge
- You have a criminal history
- You previously completed ARD or another diversionary program
- You have pending charges for a violent offense or weapons crime
- You caused a DUI accident with injuries
- There was a passenger under the age of 14 in your vehicle when you received the DUI
- You have ever been accused of domestic violence, stalking, sex crimes, or other similar offenses
Because our lawyers know what it takes to be accepted and complete the ARD program, working with our team could help you gain acceptance. We will manage your application and navigate this process on your behalf.
West Norriton ARD Program Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
Learn About the ARD Program Benefits From Our West Norriton Attorneys
Our DUI attorneys understand how much a conviction can affect your daily life. Jail time could interrupt your work or education, facing license suspension could limit your activities, and having a conviction on your record could make it difficult to get work, rent an apartment, or manage other important tasks that require a background check.
By applying for and successfully completing the ARD program, you can avoid all these downfalls. The benefits of ARD include:
- No jail time when a DUI conviction could mean up to a year behind bars
- A reduced time without your driver’s license
- No criminal history of a conviction on your record
- The possibility of expungement
While the ARD program as run in Montgomery County has some stringent terms, they generally are not as life-altering as a DUI conviction and consequences could be. You can complete them while continuing your career or education and get the second chance you need to keep your record clean.
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Our ARD Attorneys in West Norriton Will Help You Complete the Program
When we represent a client and apply for the ARD program on their behalf, we help them navigate the process from start to finish. You can count on our attorneys to ensure you understand the terms of your ARD program. This is the most vital step.
If you do not comply with all terms, abscond during the process, become a fugitive in another case, or otherwise have another issue with law enforcement, the District Attorney can remove you from the ARD program. When this occurs, the court can proceed with the charges against you. You could go to trial, be convicted, and face a stiff sentence for your original charges and any new charges you face.
If our criminal defense lawyers represent you, we will ensure you know what you need to do to complete the program and expunge your record.
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Discuss the West Norriton ARD Program With Our DUI Team
McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. represents clients facing DUI and other charges in West Norriton. The ARD program might be a good option for many first-time offenders. Our team can assess your qualifications and help you develop a criminal defense strategy for a positive outcome in your case.
Contact us to learn more today and discuss the criminal charges you face.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
