Today, we as individuals have more possibilities and opportunities of that than individuals did just a few mere decades, or even years ago. Women have grown to gain more employment roles and break gender gaps, African American individuals now have social equality, and education is now available to all that seek it. Either way you look at it the United States is trying to help individuals out in about every way possible. One aspect that truly helps individuals is that of rehabilitative programs that can range from drug usage, to even other abusive issues. However, can you always count on the fact that these programs will be available?

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program is one that many individuals are familiar with in Pennsylvania. This program allows individuals to avoid their first time DUI conviction and go through a program that will hopefully get them back on their feet socially sound, and creating a better community for all. Yet, this program cannot always be seen given so freely to some DUI offenders.

Last year, an accident took place with two drivers that not only did not participate in the ARD program as a result of the accident, but also were simply not given the option of it. One driver was a mother, who at the time of the accident did not have her child properly restrained in the back seat of her vehicle. As a result of the accident, the child suffered a hematoma, and a facial bone fracture. The woman pleaded guilty to the fact that she had endangered her child and as a result was sentenced to five years of probation, as well as parenting classes.

The woman pled for the ARD program, which would have wiped her record clean of all of these crimes, but was denied to the “circumstances of the case.”

The other driver had been drinking earlier in the day at a local tavern then went to grab food at a donut shop. From there he failed to enter the highway properly, which then led to the accident occurring. The man was then found by police officers to be outside his vehicle nursing an injury on his head. He also tried to gain the ARD program as a “punishment”, but was denied due to “nature and circumstances of the case, which it stated an accident resulted with an injury”.

When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!

Many people are confused about whether or not their completion of the ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) program counts as a conviction towards their DUI charge. Unfortunately, there is really no definite answer to this question. Initially, the ARD program is designed for first time DUI offenders as a second chance. If the first time offenders went through the ARD program, they were generally excused from harsh sentencing, and were able to have the fact that they received a DUI completely eradicated from their permanent record.

Now, many people have begun to abuse the ARD system, and previous offenders are trying to use it as a free ride out of their DUI charge, and possible conviction. People are chiefly trying to go through the program because of the fact they can have a DUI erased from their record. Having the charge removed from their permanent record will allow them to say “no” when a future employer asks them if they have ever obtained any felonies or misdemeanors. Also, the completion of the ARD program in most states is not seen as a conviction, but as a different means for first time offenders to rid themselves of the charge.

The catch with the ARD program is that it is not considered a conviction for first time offenders, but its completion by those who have obtained multiple DUI’s, is a considered a conviction. It is also important to know that the state keeps the information on who has completed the ARD program. The reason the state keeps this information is that while ARD may not be considered an initial conviction, it is considered a first offense when it comes to deciding sentencing for those who have obtained more than one DUI within the last ten years.

Therefore, it is important to know that if you have been charged with driving under the influence, the ARD program is an excellent way to eradicate the offense off of your permanent record, and to move on with your life. However, it is most definitely not wise to seek the completion of the ARD program if you have been convicted of multiple driving under the influence charges; because the completion of such a program after obtaining many DUI’s will be seen as a conviction in the eyes of the court, and will bring you first degree sentencing. The ARD program is an excellent avenue to dispose of your first DUI offense, but if you obtain another driving under the influence charge, be prepared to face devastating consequences.

When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!