What are the conditions and requirements of ARD?

The “punishment” or conditions and requirements of ARD are often relatively severe and onerous, and the requirements will vary from county to county and will vary depending upon the precise criminal charges and the factual basis for the charges. Almost all ARD programs impose a period of supervision by the probation department, payment of ARD costs and fees, and completion of community service. As may be expected, drug and alcohol-related cases often require completion of drug and alcohol counseling, and assault cases often require completion of anger management programs.

While many counties have similar ARD conditions and requirements, differences often arise in the application of those requirements. For example, in Centre County, persons charged with drunk driving or DUI generally receive a requirement of completing one day of community service, but the service must be completed in Centre County. In a Clearfield County DUI case, ARD would impose a requirement of completion of community service that is equal to the duration of the license suspension, but the service can be completed anywhere. In Centre County, most people on the ARD program can travel out-of-state and even out-of-country without obtaining permission from the probation department, while other counties require written approval from a probation officer before a person can leave the county. Some counties administer urine or other drug tests to ARD participants, but other counties do not. You should talk to a criminal defense attorney that has experience in providing representation for ARD cases in a county to discuss the precise terms and conditions of ARD.

Free Initial Consultation with an Experienced State College Attorney

If you have any questions about ARD or any criminal charges you may be facing in Pennsylvania, please call Attorney Jason Dunkle at (814) 954-7622 for a free initial consultation. You may also contact our firm by email to schedule a meeting with our experienced criminal defense lawyer.