What is ARD?
What Is the ARD Program in Pennsylvania?
The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program in Pennsylvania is a pretrial diversionary program designed primarily for first-time, non-violent offenders. Participants plead not guilty to criminal charges but agree to complete certain conditions imposed by the court. If all ARD requirements are successfully met, the individual can then petition the court for a dismissal and expungement of the charges.
What Are the Conditions of the ARD Program?
The “punishment” component of ARD typically includes:
Supervision by the probation department
Counseling or treatment programs (e.g., alcohol, drug, anger management)
Payment of court costs and program fees
Completion of community service hours
The exact requirements will vary depending on:
The criminal charges filed (e.g., DUI vs. assault)
The county in which the case is prosecuted
Because ARD programs are administered locally, each Pennsylvania county may have different rules and expectations. Some counties require face-to-face probation meetings or local community service, while others offer more flexibility.
To understand what your ARD requirements would be, it’s essential to consult with a criminal defense attorney familiar with local procedures.
Can You Get ARD With a Prior Record?
While ARD is often thought of as a first-time offender program, having a prior criminal record or even a prior ARD does not automatically disqualify you. These factors are considered by the district attorney, who has full discretion in granting or denying ARD eligibility.
Generally speaking:
A clean or minor prior record may still allow for ARD admission
A serious or lengthy record makes ARD less likely
Some counties are more flexible than others
Again, it is critical to have a local criminal defense attorney who knows the policies of the district attorney’s office in your county.
Common Charges Eligible for ARD in Pennsylvania
Many counties allow ARD for non-violent misdemeanors, such as:
Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Theft and Retail Theft
False Reports to Police
ARD is rarely approved for felony drug offenses such as Possession With Intent to Deliver (PWID) or Drug Delivery, though exceptions may occur under special circumstances.
Talk to an Experienced ARD Attorney in State College
If you are facing criminal charges and want to explore your eligibility for ARD, contact State College criminal defense attorney Jason S. Dunkle. Attorney Dunkle has been helping clients obtain favorable outcomes through ARD since 2004 and has extensive experience in Centre, Clinton, Huntingdon, and Mifflin counties.