When someone is charged with a crime such as drunk driving, there are a number of different penalties that can result. As we've seen from previous posts, some of these penalties can include a license suspension, a jail sentence, and a number of fines.

But in certain situations, first-time offenders can be placed in what is called the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program. The ARD program lasts for up to two years and if completed, can result in an expungement of the criminal conviction. Some judges choose to enroll offenders in the ARD program.

Several judges from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, have opted to use the ARD program in several of their criminal cases. Some of these cases included charges for:

  • Drug and forgery charges - one year in the ARD program as well as drug and alcohol assessments and treatment
  • Theft and possession of drug paraphernalia - one year in the ARD program as well as assessments and treatment

While the examples given are drug-related charges, the ARD program is also an option for first-time offenders who are arrested for drinking and driving. Enrollment in the program does not require that the offender admits guilt and provides a way to keep the criminal charge from appearing on one's permanent record.

First-time offenders are individuals who have not previously had a run-in with the law. Generally, these individuals find themselves in a less-than-ideal situation because of a simple mistake or momentarily lapse of judgment. Because the consequences of a criminal conviction can go beyond legal penalties, the ARD program helps first-time offenders avoid the impact of those consequences.

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review online, "Decisions of Westmoreland judges," 18 July 2011