In some instances, a first-time DUI offender can seek alternative sentencing programs. In Pennsylvania, the program that is available is known as the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program, or the ARD program. This type of program can help prevent one mistake from ruining a person's future.

A while back, a Pennsylvania state Rep. was charged with drunk driving - his first offense. In the post, we discussed the DUI charge itself as well as some of the penalties he would have faced if he wasn't admitted to the ARD program.

As with any DUI charge, penalties range from having to attend a substance abuse program to being sentenced to jail. But the ARD program allows first-time offenders to essentially serve a sentence but avoid having a criminal record.

Just recently it was announced that the state Rep. has been admitted into the ARD program. In order to complete the program, he must:

  • Continue current treatment for substance abuse
  • Serve a six-month probation
  • Pay a number of fines
  • Perform community service

In addition to these penalties, he will lose his driving privileges for 60 days. He has already completed an in-patient rehabilitation program and will continue with the rest of the program. Once he completes the program, his criminal record will be cleared of the DUI conviction.

The state Rep. has stated that he is looking forward to moving on after the one-time drunk driving incident. Others who find themselves in similar situations will discover that the ARD program can help protect their future by providing alternative sentencing.

Source: LeHigh Valley Live: "Joe Brennan enters first-time offender program for drunken driving arrest," Sarah Cassi, Oct. 26, 2011