tell me why i need a lawyer for ard

Third, a lawyer can help you with strategic decisions about certain aspects of the ARD Program. Defendants in a DUI / ARD case typically will lose their driver’s license for a period of 30 days or 60 days, depending on the blood alcohol content (BAC) reading.

Full Answer

What happens if I violate the terms of Ard?

If you violate the terms of the program you will be removed from ARD after a hearing. The violation may be an arrest, failure to pay all court costs, failed drug test, etc. If you are found to have violated the ARD program you will be put onto the trial list for the crime as if you were never on the program in the first place.

What happens at an Ard hearing in Texas?

REPRESENTATION AT AN ARD HEARING. Your hearing will be before a judge either in a large group of first time offenders or by yourself. You will fill out a form indicating that you want to be admitted to the program and that you understand all your rights and responsibilities.

Do I need a lawyer if I am arrested?

If you are arrested for a a crime it is imperative that you contact a lawyer immediately so he/she can better prepare your defense and determine if you are eligible for ARD. The information presented is not legal advice, and your use of it does not create an attorney-client relationship.

What happens if you are rejected from the DA program?

If the DA rejects a person for the program there is no appeal to a judge. If approved you will be put on probation for a period of time (usually one year), pay court costs, and may have to do community service.

What happens at an ARD hearing pa?

The A.R.D. hearing will be held in open court in the presence of the defendant, their attorney, a representative of the District Attorney and any victims who attend. At such hearing, if all court costs, fees and restitution are paid, the court will inform the defendant of the conditions of the A.R.D. Program.

How much does the ARD program cost in Pennsylvania?

$1,500 to $2,000The ARD program cost to you is $1,500 to $2,000. Under the ARD program, the mandatory license suspension depends on the Blood Alcohol Concentration. if you hold a Pennsylvania CDL license. In fact, CDL holders face a one-year license suspension whether convicted in court or through ARD.

What makes you eligible for ARD in PA?

PA ARD Program Eligibility and Requirements The defendant cannot have any prior convictions. The defendant must have a valid license and insurance. The defendant must not have had minors in the vehicle at the time of arrest. The defendant must not have caused an accident where serious injuries or deaths were involved.

How long is the ARD program in PA?

two yearsThe maximum period for ARD is two years, but for most DUI charges the period is one year. Some counties even shorten this period to six months if you have completed all of your requirements.

Is Pennsylvania ARD a conviction?

Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition ("A.R.D.") is a pre-trial intervention program for first time non-violent offenders. A.R.D. is not a conviction and does not require a defendant to serve mandatory jail sentences associated with certain convictions.

Do you lose your license with ARD in PA?

ARD in Pennsylvania requires you to be under 6 to 12 months' probation. It also requires you to attend highway safety classes. Unfortunately, you may lose your license for some time while in this program. The cost of the program in Pittsburgh, PA is between $1,500 and $2,000.

Do you get drug tested on ARD in PA?

The requirements of the ARD Program include: Attend drug and/or alcohol counseling. Pass routine drug tests to ensure sobriety. Fulfill community service.

Can you drink on probation in PA?

Is Alcohol Prohibited On Probation? In most cases, no. You are allowed to drink alcohol while on probation. However, some individuals do have a specific condition of their probation that bans them from drinking alcohol.

How many times can you get ARD in PA?

An individual can be placed into the ARD program up to three times over a thirty-year period. What that means is, if you used it in 2000, then you are not eligible to use it again until 2011. If you used it in 2011 then not again until 2022.

How long is ARD probation in PA?

ARD probation typically lasts either six months or one year, but can be as little as 30 days for Marijuana possession cases. Once classes and community service are complete the individual must stay arrest free during that period of time.

What is ARD probation in PA?

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (“ARD”) Program is supervised by the ARD Chief, who reviews criminal cases for potential admission. ARD is a unique program, approved by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, generally for first-time offenders who have no prior criminal convictions or prior ARD dispositions.

Can I buy a gun while on ARD in PA?

A: The result of ARD will be that you will have no conviction of a crime on your record. This will not preclude you from possessing a firearm or obtaining a permit.

What Is the ARD Program?

Pennsylvania offers the ARD program as an alternative to jail time for many first-time offenders. If you are eligible, your lawyer can help you apply. If the court grants your request for ARD, you may have to complete the following requirements as part of the program:

Eligibility for ARD

You will only be eligible for this program under certain circumstances. And even then, the district attorney may still impose other requirements for ARD that keep you out of the program. Having a lawyer on your side can make all the difference.

How to Get ARD in PA

Should you meet the requirements, you can apply for ARD through the following process:

Reasons to Work with a DUI Lawyer

Getting ARD for a DUI is a complex process. Your lawyer can help you with each step.

Seeking ARD for a DUI? Call Skinner Law Firm

Ready to speak with a DUI lawyer about ARD and your DUI charge? If you’ve been charged in West Chester, Phoenixville, Exton, Wayne, Kennett Square, Oxford, Coatesville, or anywhere in Chester County, contact Skinner Law Firm. Claim your free consultation today. Call (610) 436-1410 or contact us online.

What happens if you violate the ARD program?

If you are found to have violated the ARD program you will be put onto the trial list for the crime as if you were never on the program in the first place. Your court costs will not be refunded. If you then found or plead guilty you will have a criminal record.

What is an ARD in Pennsylvania?

ARD is a program run by the district attorney’s office of the county where the offense was committed. The DA’s office has to approve the person’s entry into the program after reviewing the offense and confirming that the defendant has never been convicted of a crime in Pennsylvania or the rest of the country. ...

What happens if a DA rejects a person for probation?

If the DA rejects a person for the program there is no appeal to a judge. If approved you will be put on probation for a period of time (usually one year), pay court costs, and may have to do community service. If the defendant successfully completes the probation (gets in no further trouble) the charge will be dismissed ...

What happens if you get arrested in a drug rehab program?

THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE IS: DON’T GET ARRESTED AGAIN. If you get arrested it will be most likely be considered a violation and you will be removed from the program. Any time spent on probation or costs paid will be lost to you.

What to do if you are arrested?

If you are arrested it is important that you contact a criminal attorney immediately. At your first meeting tell your lawyer that you have no criminal record and that this is your first arrest. (DON’T’ LIE). Next comes the preliminary hearing at the District Justice court in the area where the offense was committed.

Do you have to be represented at an ARD hearing?

You will fill out a form indicating that you want to be admitted to the program and that you understand all your rights and responsibilities. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PLEAD GUILTY.

Can you be dismissed from ARD?

Once you successfully complete the ARD program your probation will be over. The charges will then be dismissed. If asked afterwards by anyone, such as an employer, if you have ever been convicted of a crime you can say no. Your record will show the arrest with a note that the charges were dismissed.

WHAT EXACTLY IS ARD?

ARD stands for “Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition.” It is a program that all Pennsylvania counties are required to have in place for individuals with no criminal record (or a very limited criminal record) who have been charged with a relatively minor, non-violent offense (s).

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ARD PROGRAM?

ARD effectively delays your case with the promise that if you complete certain requirements within a given period of time your case will be dismissed. Accordingly, if your case is approved for ARD there will be a number of requirements that you have to complete during the time you are on ARD.

HOW DO I GET INTO THE ARD PROGRAM?

Attorney Julian Allatt of Rehmeyer & Allatt has helped countless individuals get their cases placed on the ARD program. A general outline of the process is as follows:

IS ARD THE RIGHT THING FOR ME?

In most cases, the answer is yes. There are many benefits to the ARD program-if you are enrolled on ARD for a criminal offense and you successfully complete the requirements, your case will be dismissed and you can then have the charge and all court records of the offense expunged from your record.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

ARD stands for “Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition.” According to the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure,

Attorneys vs. Non-Attorney Representatives

The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows trained non-attorney representatives to handle disability claims if they meet certain criteria. These representatives are not licensed lawyers, but they often charge similar fees as lawyers.

SSA Rules And Regulations

Attorneys at The Disability Advantage Group, have years of experience representing clients during initial application and subsequent Social Security Disability appeals processes.