A Comprehensive Outlook on Montgomery County ARD Program
No matter what kind of conviction you’re facing- a DUI, drug possession, or driving without a license- it leaves behind a criminal record. And any type of criminal record can have a negative impact on your future.
So, if you want your case to get resolved without any long-term consequences in Montgomery County, the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program might be an option for you.
But the only catch about this program is that your eligibility or acceptance isn’t a guarantee! On top of that, there exists a screening process, which brings along its fair share of complications.
In this blog, we are going to cover every detail about the Montgomery County ARD program. So, let’s stick till the end to explore and know it all.
What is the ARD Program?
The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) is a program that offers first-time offenders a chance to walk away without a criminal record. Therefore, if you are eligible and get accepted for it, your case gets diverted, which allows you to align with the requirements of the program.
The ARD basically offers a rehabilitation opportunity to first-time offenders. So, once you complete the requirements diligently, the charges levied against you can be either withdrawn, dismissed, or expunged.
Here are some of the benefits that you might enjoy if you get accepted for the ARD program-
- No jail time.
- No trials.
- No criminal conviction.
- Reduced fines.
- Reduced tenure for license suspension.
- Chances of expungement.
Added to that, getting into an ARD program can also help you retain your employment, as there is no criminal conviction against you anymore.
Who all are Eligible for the ARD?
The eligibility criteria for getting qualified into the ARD program depend on a variety of factors, like-
- It has to be your first offense.
- You must not have any prior criminal history.
- The charges levied against you must be of a non-violent nature.
- You must not harm or kill anybody if you’re caught in a drunk driving accident.
- You must submit the ARD application within the stipulated deadline.
- You must not have a previous participation record in the ARD program.
The sad part is that, even if you meet all the above criteria, you still might be eligible for the ARD program based on the charges levied against you.
That being said, let’s take a look at the charges that make you eligible for the ARD program-
- DUI cases
- Cases of disorderly conduct
- Theft/ retail theft
- Possession of drugs/ drug paraphernalia
- Criminal mischief
- Non-violent misdemeanors
And here are the charges that make you instantly ineligible for the ARD program-
- A majority of felony charges.
- Sexual offenses.
- DUI that has caused serious injuries or death.
- Charges involving violence.
Whatever you do, it is up to the District Attorney to determine which cases or charges are eligible/ ineligible. That’s exactly why the first step is to convince the DA about your eligibility, for which hiring a professional Pittsburgh criminal lawyer becomes mandatory.
Enrolling for a Montgomery County ARD Program: Best Practices
If you want to get enrolled in the Montgomery County ARD program, here are some things that you must ensure-
- You must waive your right to a quick trial from the date of your ARD application to the date of dismissal of your case.
- Submit the ARD application to the county DA’s office.
Wait, there’s more! Other than this, you must also submit the appropriate documents for your ARD application if you don’t want it to get rejected! That’s where a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you out!
Places like Montgomery County are suburban counties and, therefore, are quite conservative when it comes to criminal charges. So, protecting your rights and getting eligible for an ARD program requires a great defense strategy.
That’s where we at Logue Law Group come to the rescue! Our experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyers have thorough knowledge of the field. Our professionals also have established contacts that can help you get enrolled in an ARD program without any hassle.So, if you or someone you know is facing criminal charges and wants to enroll in the ARD program, call us at 412-387-6901 and schedule a free consultation today.