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    Pittsburgh ARD Lawyer

    Pennsylvania ARD Program Information, Acceptance & Requirements

    The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) Program is offered in Allegheny County and all other PA counties. It is a probationary program primarily for first time offenders who have been charged with either a DUI or possession of a controlled substance, marijuana possession or possession of drug paraphernalia.

    Being offered acceptance into the ARD program is a lesser punishment than being found guilty of a DUI or drug possession, including an avoidance of jail time and avoiding a one-year license suspension.

    The ARD program is NOT a conviction. It allows your criminal record to be expunged after satisfactory completion so that you can have a clean record. However, under a new law enacted in late 2025, a prior ARD completion can lead to higher penalties if you are later convicted of a DUI within ten years.

    A ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court may impact your DUI case – Read more about the recent Birchfield Ruling or call Attorney Shrager today for a Free Consultation.

    ARD Program Acceptance

    In order to be accepted into the ARD program, your attorney will need to request inclusion from the District Attorney. The District Attorney will determine if you are eligible for the program but the judge has the final say on your acceptance.

    While not every first time offender is eligible for the ARD program, it is well worth discussing with your attorney.

    Usually offenders are not eligible for this program under a DUI conviction when there was a serious injury or a vehicular homicide occurred while DUI, but other restrictions may also apply.

    ARD Program Requirements

    The purpose of the ARD program is the rehabilitation of an offender with the intention of encouraging them to make a fresh start. Acceptance into the program is first considered at the preliminary hearing where the district attorney will make an offer of acceptance into the program.

    Conditions of the program, which usually lasts one to two years, may include a license suspension, fines, court fees and probation along with alcohol or drug rehabilitative classes such as alcohol highway safety school.

    Requirements may also include doing community service or participating in employment training programs. There are also fee requirements for the program costs and the District Attorney may impose other restrictions.

    Read more about the ARD program on the Allegheny Courts website.

    ARD Program Completion

    Upon successful completion of the ARD program, the offender may move the court for an order to dismiss all the charges. In order to have the records expunged from all Pennsylvania agencies, a petition must be filed. An experienced DUI Attorney can assist with this process.

    Importantly, a 2026 PA law

    If you are wondering if you are eligible for this program or if you have been arrested for a DUI, contact an experienced Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer for a free consultation.

    Attorney Shrager is available by mobile phone or text message, 24/7: 412-969-2540.

    Violating the ARD Program

    If you violate any part of the ARD program requirements or fail to complete all the requirements, the District Attorney will seek to have you removed from the program and the original charges will be reinstated.

    If you think you may have violated the ARD program requirements, it is essential that you contact a Pittsburgh DUI Attorney or Pittsburgh Drug Lawyer right away.

    Have questions about a DUI in Pennsylvania? Here are some resources:

    Shrager Defense Attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA will attack your criminal charges in order to protect your good name. Have a sound and solid case prepared by our legal team so they can fight for your rights.