FAQ - Should I Agree to Accept ARD

Should I Go into the ARD
Program? What does it
Involve?

Not always. First of all, what is ARD? It is an
abbreviation for Accelerated Rehabilitative
Disposition and it usually involves a
probation-type supervision and some sort of
classes to improve your future behavior. The
good news about ARD is, if you complete the
program successfully, you are not "convicted"
of the underlying crime and your record will
show a dismissal of the charges, although the
charges will remain unless you get your record
expunged.

Keep in mind that, depending on your situation,
the punishment under ARD may be worse than
the actual crime, if you are convicted. Plus,
you only get to use ARD once every ten years,
approximately. Hence, you do not want to
waste the "ARD card" if you have other charges
pending that may be more serious. Give us a
call and we will evaluate whether ARD is right
for you.

Drunk Driving (DUI)
DUI, first offense,
second offence, first
tier, second tier, third
tier (most serious)

Assault and Battery
Bar fights, mutual
combat, defenses,
domestic violence

Felony
Aggravated assault,
conspiracy, drug
charges

Bad Checks
Plea deals, restitution,
avoiding jail time and
heavy fines

Shoplifting
Retal theft cases in
Pittsburgh and Beaver
County

Disorderly Conduct
Disturbing the peace,
Police going too far to
find you guilty of
something

Expunged Records
We get your charges
expunged