When you receive a charge of driving under the influence in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, you may find that your life changes quite a bit if that charge leads to a drunk driving conviction. A DUI conviction has the potential to upend many different aspects of your life. Yet, in some cases, you may be able to participate in something called Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition following a conviction for DUI.
Per Cumberland County, ARD is a diversionary program that may give you and others who do not have existing criminal records a means through which to have your DUI charge removed from it. You must apply for entry into the ARD program. If program administrators approve you, you must undergo a period of pre-trial supervision.
How the ARD program works
If you are successful in gaining entry into Cumberland County’s ARD program, then you should expect to have to comply with various program requirements. These might involve you paying restitution, participating in crime prevention classes, performing community service or undergoing drug, alcohol or mental health treatment.
What happens when you complete the ARD program
If you uphold all program compliance requirements and complete all required classes and treatments, your DUI charge undergoes dismissal. This also results in authorities sealing your arrest record. This may make it easier for you to find a job and otherwise move forward with your life after a DUI conviction.
If you are facing a Pennsylvania DUI charge and have no prior record, consider asking your attorney if enrolling in Cumberland County’s ARD program might be an option for you.