How Did an ARD Enrolment Help Expunge DUI Charges for a Delco College Graduate
College life is one of the best times. That’s because those are the years when you get to taste independence, and explore opportunities that interest you. However, amidst the enjoyments, a single criminal record, like a DUI charge, can haunt you for your entire life! It can affect job prospects, housing, and even your professional reputation.
That’s why when we at the Logue Law Group received a call from one of the Delco college graduates, we immediately knew what was at stake. A DUI charge is serious enough to threaten everything. But with the right legal strategy and the help of our expert Pittsburgh DUI attorneys, this student found a lifeline. The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program in Pennsylvania offered him a path to a clean slate.
Let’s explore this blog to learn more about how our expert lawyers leveraged the ARD program, which led to the expungement of a DUI charge!
About the ARD Program: What You Need to Know
The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program is a unique pre-trial diversion program. Only first-time offenders of non-violent crimes are allowed to get enrolled in this program.
The main purpose of the ARD program is to encourage rehabilitation. It offers first-time offenders a chance to earn a clean record. This program stays under the supervision of the ARD chief.
Now, to qualify for the ARD program, you must meet certain criteria-
- You must not have a prior criminal record.
- You must also not have a serious history of criminal activity.
However, when it comes to first-time DUI cases, there are specific situations that are regarded as disqualifiers for the program-
- Causing serious injury or death in a crash.
- Having a child under 14 in the vehicle.
- A prior DUI conviction within the last 10 years.
The qualification criteria for the ARD program have many other elements. A Pittsburgh DUI attorney can help determine your eligibility.
How Did the Logue Law Group Manage the Expungement Process?
Our client, a 21-year-old Delco college graduate, was booked with a DUI charge. He almost had his license suspended and was on the verge of getting a permanent criminal record. Thankfully, the boy was wise enough to immediately seek legal counsel from a Pittsburgh DUI attorney from the Logue Law Group.
As soon as we received the call, we focused on a strategic approach. Our first step was to prepare the application for the ARD program, highlighting our client’s clean record. Why so? Because our primary goal was to persuade the District Attorney and prove that the student was an eligible candidate for the program. And our meticulous strategy worked as the District Attorney’s office approved the application. This was a critical first victory that our expert Pittsburgh DUI attorneys achieved.
Our client also had to complete several requirements after enrolling in the program. These included a period of probation and paying fines. In fact, he also had to attend alcohol highway safety school. We at The Logue Law Group provided continuous support throughout our client’s journey. We ensured that our client successfully completed the program.
After our client completed the program, the next step was expungement. Our experienced Pittsburgh DUI attorneys at The Logue Law Group handled the entire expungement process. We prepared and filed the necessary legal documents and made sure that all the court records were sealed. This removed the DUI from the student’s public criminal record.
And that’s how we at the Logue Law Group helped a Delco college graduate walk away with a clean slate and a bright future. Therefore, if you or a friend of yours has been booked for a DUI charge, consider giving us a call at 844.PITT.DUI for a free consultation today!