Having a clean criminal record is one of the most important things you can have when applying for a job, attempting to get housing or wanting to further your education. Even a one time running with the law, such as disorderly conduct charge, can prevent you from getting the job you want, the housing you want and can impact your academic status. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers a pretrial intervention program called the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition or ARD Program.
If you have been charged with driving under the influence in the Philadelphia area, you may want to consider the Pennsylvania ARD program. According to the Montgomery County, other crimes that could make one eligible for the ARD program are non violent crimes like retail theft, shoplifting and some fraud cases. The Accelerator Rehabilitated Program suspends the criminal justice process while the person is in the ARD program.
To be admitted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program on a drunk driving charge or any other charge, a person must be recommended by the district attorney’s office. A judge cannot independently allow a person to join the ARD program. Once the DA’s office recommend someone for admission into the ARD program, a judge decides at a hearing whether to accept the recommendation or not. The ARD program is not free, nor is it an easy way to avoid jail time or avoid losing your driving privileges. But it gives you the opportunity to clean your record.You should consult your attorney before accepting or rejecting an offer to join the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program.
