What are the requirements for the ARD program?

What Are the Requirements of the ARD Program in Pennsylvania?

Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) is a pretrial diversionary program offered in Pennsylvania that allows eligible first-time offenders to resolve their charges without a conviction. While ARD results in the dismissal and potential expungement of criminal charges, it comes with mandatory conditions that participants must successfully complete.


ARD Participants Must Accept Certain Conditions

When someone is approved for ARD, they plead not guilty but agree to complete a set of court-ordered requirements in exchange for avoiding a criminal conviction. These requirements vary by county and by the type of criminal charges filed, but most ARD programs include:


Program Conditions Vary by Offense and County

The specific ARD requirements imposed will often depend on the nature of the offense:

In addition, each Pennsylvania county may have different rules regarding how these conditions are carried out:


Why Local Experience Matters

Because ARD eligibility and program requirements vary by county, it’s important to consult a criminal defense attorney with experience in the jurisdiction where you’ve been charged. An experienced attorney will know:


Free Consultation With a State College ARD Attorney

Attorney Jason Dunkle has been representing clients in Centre, Clinton, Huntingdon, and Mifflin counties for over 20 years. He has extensive experience helping clients navigate the ARD program and avoid the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction.

For a free case review, contact JD Law by email or leave a message at (814) 689-9139. Email is the preferred method of communication, as phone calls are directed to voicemail due to the high volume of spam and unsolicited calls.