
1st Offense
Driving Under the Influence
Pennsylvania
Complementary Attorney Consultation.
Questions? Call (215) 230-3761
This firm assists first time DUI offenders who do not have a drinking problem and made a one time mistake, gain admittance into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program (ARD).
Accelerated:
The Commonwealth Suspends the Charges…
ARD is considered a diversionary or "first-time offender" program, designed to divert first-time offenders from entering the criminal justice system. Admission into ARD is controlled by the District Attorney, who has broad discretion as to whom to allow into the program. We assist you in the process of admission into the ARD program but caution you that there are no guarantees of acceptance.
Rehabilitative:
The Commonwealth will not convict you…
You will not be "convicted" of a crime if you are accepted into the ARD program. Furthermore, any loss of your motor vehicle operating privileges will be for a short period of time, rather than the full year for a first time DUI conviction. For example, if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is between a .10 and .159, your driving privileges most likely will only be suspended for one month (depending on summary offenses and other variables). If your blood alcohol level is above a .16, then your suspension period will most likely be for two months. Being accepted into the ARD program requires that certain court-ordered conditions are followed. Such conditions may include drug and alcohol counseling, community service, restitution, etc. Similar to a probationary program, the ARD program requires a period of supervision. The maximum period of ARD supervision is one year. Bucks County may shorten this period to six months if you have completed all of your requirements prior to the ARD hearing.
Disposition:
The Commonwealth will expunge your record…
Once the program is completed successfully, the original criminal charges are dismissed. Bear in mind that the ARD records will always be in the office of the District Attorney. Completing the ARD program allows you to answer "no" on job applications that ask if you have ever been convicted of a crime. (You can also safely answer "no" to any question about whether you have ever been in an ARD program - employer's do not have the right to ask this, and they do not have access to the court records - they are sealed in the office of the District Attorney).
Complete Representation throughout the Process
Review Police Criminal Complaint and charges.
Attend Preliminary Hearing, seek waiver of monetary bail, apply for ARD Program.
File with the Court necessary Waiver of Arraignment form.
Attend ADR Court.
Advise on how to obtain a work license if you receive a 30, 60 or 90 day license suspension.
Complimentary Attorney Consultation.
Questions? Call (215) 230-3761