Allegheny County DUI Lawyer – Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD)
So you have just received a 1st time DUI in Pennsylvania. Like many of my clients, you probably have no prior DUI arrest records or other criminal offenses. You may not believe me right now, but if drunk driving in Pennsylvania is your one run-in with the law, you are doing ok. More on this in a moment, but first let me be clear, you must not be arrested for DUI in Pennsylvania again!!! (at least not within the next 10 years.) If you are, it will likely cancel everything else you are about to read.
Like I was saying, many of my DUI clients are “eligible” for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program by virtue of their record, or lack of record if you will. Right now, under DUI laws in PA, you are also “eligible” for ARD. So what is ARD? Exactly what it says, an Alternative Rehabilitative Disposition, but if you take the middle word out, it becomes “Alternative Disposition,” which may be easier to understand.
Essentially, ARD is an opportunity, if offered by the DA in your county, for you to avoid what, at the worst, could become 72 consecutive hours in Jail, a twelve-month license suspension, and a permanent criminal record for all to see. But if you are accepted into the ARD program, at worst you are looking at penalties that include:
- No Jail Time (there will be a “non-reporting” probationary period),
- A two-month License suspension,
- DUI classes in Pittsburgh (or in other jurisdictions),
- Fine (usually about $1500 including costs).
- Expungement – If you complete the program, your DUI arrest record will be automatically expunged (erased from existence).
Call (412) 475-9217 or 1-855-DUI-CRIM to schedule a free consultation with an Allegheny County DUI Lawyer.
As established above, you have no previous criminal history (don’t include traffic tickets). In addition, you are wisely thinking about and searching for a DUI lawyer in Pennsylvania and educating yourself as you go. However, if one of the three following scenarios applies to your case, you are no longer eligible, by law, for ARD (though there are still measures that a drunk driving law firm or lawyer can apply for your benefit):
- You were in an accident while DUI and another person suffered serious bodily injury or death as a result.
- At the time of your arrest, there was a passenger in the car under the age of 14 in the vehicle.
- You are charged with Fleeing and Eluding in connection with the DUI charge (this is not actually in the law but most Pennsylvania counties, including Allegheny, enforce this policy).
At this point you have probably also received your initial paperwork scheduling a preliminary hearing sometime in the next few weeks. But Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition does not begin at the preliminary hearing stage. At a minimum, there are still two more court appearances to go (a Formal Arraignment / Interview and the final ARD Hearing) and a CRN evaluation that must be completed. The preliminary hearing is just the beginning of a 4-6 month process.
After reading this, you may be thinking to yourself, “Mike, your making me feel like I might be able to handle this on my own and not hire you. Don’t you want to make me think that I need you for ARD?” Well, I do want you to hire me for your case, but I feel it is important to be upfront. If you are looking for free advice, I am happy to give it now. I don’t want to waste your time or mine.
That said, I practice in Pennsylvania, Allegheny County, or Pittsburgh courts every day (if not all in one day). I have significant trial experience in both DUI and complex criminal litigation. When clients hire me for ARD admission, they are hiring an experienced professional to hold their hand, dot the Is, cross the Ts, and ensure that the process is smooth. If there is an unexpected bump in the road, I handle it.
With a focus on thorough preparation, superior client service and dedicated representation, I help families and individuals solve a wide range of DUI and criminal litigation issues.
I will respond to your email submission as promptly as possible. I ask that you consider calling me, Allegheny County DUI Lawyer Michael V. Worgul, directly at 1-412-475-9217 or toll free at 1-855-DUI-CRIM for a free initial consultation to discuss your case. You will also find out how our practice can be put to work for you.
I look forward to listening to the circumstances of your case and discussing all available options under the law.
Sincerely,
Michael V. Worgul
Michael V. Worgul, Esq., LLC
429 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Toll Free: 1-855-DUI-CRIM
Phone: 412-475-9217
Fax: 412-288-8943
Tags: Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, Allegheny County DUI Lawyer, ARD
