Pennsylvania Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD)

Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD)
Diversionary Programs for First-Time DUI Offenders

When you face prosecution for drinking and driving, and it’s the first time you have been charged, you may be eligible for a diversionary program known as Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, or ARD. The program is designed to promote and reward rehabilitation, rather than punishment. If you successfully complete the requirements of ARD, you can have all charges dismissed and have the conviction expunged from your criminal record. You want an experienced lawyer to review your case, help determine whether you qualify for ARD, and make certain you get the benefits afforded by the program.

At the Law Offices of John E. Kusturiss Jr. in Media, we fight for the rights of people in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, who face DUI prosecution. Attorney Kusturiss and attorney Alyssa K. Poole, both former prosecutors, understand how the state approaches DUI cases, including prosecutions involving first-time offenders. Attorney Kusturiss has more than 30 years of criminal law experience. Let us use our skill, knowledge and resources to protect your rights. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 610-565-0240 for an appointment. We serve Media, Springfield, Chester, Upper Darby, Ridley Park, Newtown Square, & Havertown, PA.

Helping You Get the Benefits Available under the ARD Program

The state of Pennsylvania set up the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program as a specific pre-trial intervention program for non-violent offenders who have no prior record or a limited criminal record. Under the new sentencing guidelines in Pennsylvania for DUI convictions, ARD is an option regardless of your blood alcohol level, provided you are a first-time offender. If you are accepted into the program, you will be provided with specific opportunities to remedy behaviors that led to your DUI charge. The emphasis of the penalties in ARD is to encourage rehabilitation. Among the sanctions that can be imposed are:

• An order to perform community service
• The suspension of your driving privileges
• Enrollment in and completion of alcohol/substance abuse education classes
• Payment of fines

It is critical, though, that you successfully complete all requirements of the program. If any condition is not met, you can be removed from the program and placed back on the trial list. You will then face prosecution all over again.

We have considerable knowledge and understanding of Pennsylvania’s ARD program, and will help you take the necessary steps to get admitted.

Contact Us

At Law Offices of John E. Kusturiss, Jr., we offer a free initial consultation to all clients. For an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania DUI defense lawyer, contact our office by e-mail or call us at 610-565-0240. Evening or weekend appointments can be arranged upon request. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover, including debit cards.

Visa, Mastercard, Discover and Debit Cards accepted.
Evening and weekend appointments can be arranged.