You might be facing a first-time driving under the influence (DUI) offense in Dauphin County and have heard of completing a safety program. Understanding how this works is essential in ensuring your livelihood remains unaffected after a DUI charge.
The significance of Dauphin County’s pre-trial diversion program
If this is your first DUI offense, you may apply for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. Instead of going through a full trial, you complete probation and court conditions to qualify for charge dismissal and record expungement. However, it is important to note that not all first-time offenders can qualify for the ARD program.
You must also complete the Court Reporting Network Evaluation. This assessment tool helps the courts determine the appropriate next steps for your case. Additionally, you must also pay restitution to affected victims and the ARD acceptance fee.
How Dauphin County’s ARD program works
Admission to the ARD program will pause criminal proceedings while you complete the required tasks. Usually, you must attend the Alcohol Highway Safety School (AHSS), which is a 12.5-hour curriculum that tackles how impairment affects road safety. In Dauphin County, you can attend classes at:
- Probation Services Office at 917 Gibson Boulevard in Steelton
- Northern Dauphin Human Services Center at 295 State Drive in Elizabethville
- Lower Paxton Municipal Building at 425 Prince Street in Harrisburg
Participating in a Victim Impact Panel is another requirement, which costs a $35 cash fee. In this session, you hear stories from victims or their families on how DUI has affected their lives.
Why applying for the ARD program is advisable
First-time DUI consequences carry a heavy weight on offenders. A general impairment can result in a six-month probation without license suspension. High and highest impairments carry mandatory jail time and a driver’s license suspension. Admission into the ARD program allows you to avoid jail time and face a reduced or eliminated license suspension.
Complying with local and state regulations to protect your livelihood
Dauphin County’s ARD program is a privilege. Meeting its eligibility criteria requires confirming the severity of your offense and adhering to the local procedural steps. Seek legal counsel to learn more about your options to fight your first-time DUI offense.
