ARD Qualification Guide: Why Legal Expertise Matters
For particular first-time, non-violent offenders, there’s a pretrial option called the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. To gain access to this program, offenders need to meet certain qualifications and complete an application.
ARD provides offenders with an option to avoid a trial and clean their records. This pretrial diversionary program is usually only available for first-time offenders charged with specific crimes.
For acceptance to this program, you will need to hire a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer familiar with the program. Your lawyer can answer your queries, explain the process, and draft an application.
What is the ARD Program?
ARD is monitored by the court. It’s a rehabilitative program that lets qualified participants clear their criminal record. The goal of this program, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Victim Services, is to motivate participants to start a new chapter in their lives.
If participants get accepted, they need to:
- Finish monitored probation.
- Pay fines, do community service, and follow orders from the court.
- Follow the rules established by the judge.
After participants finish the program by meeting all mandated requirements, the charges will be dropped. Now, they can also appeal for record expungement.
Qualifications for ARD
Participants who qualify for ARD include:
- Anyone with no previous record.
- People arrested for non-violent offenses.
Some offenders may have a criminal history; however, it’s usually not extensive or recent. They will also end up facing eligible charges.
Certain charges disqualify an offender from this program. Extenuating circumstances and a remarkable application might be able to get the offender into the program. This is possible when working with a seasoned Pittsburgh criminal lawyer. They draft an application that can get you into the program even when you don’t think the court will consider it.
So, when applying for ARD, find a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer who’s familiar with it and its application process. They can prepare the application and collect supporting documents. Your chances of acceptance can greatly increase if your lawyer knows how to make your application stand out to the judge and prosecution.
Do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Hiring a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer before the ARD application makes the process more straightforward. Regardless of your qualification, this is your best option. Having an experienced lawyer on your side ensures the legal process is less confusing.
Your lawyer will prepare the paperwork and the ARD application. The court and prosecution will review them and take steps to examine the facts of your case.
At Logue Law Group, we represent clients charged with all kinds of criminal offenses. For non-violent, first-time offenders, the ARD program may be a good choice. With our Pittsburgh criminal lawyer, you can proper consultation and assessment based on your criminal history and case facts. We will also help you to apply and get accepted into the program. So, contact us at sean@seanloguelaw.com now if you need help.