Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) Program
Criminal Defense Attorneys in , PA
When facing criminal charges, it is important that you know your options for resolving the matter. Options may include seeking a dismissal of the charges, trying your case in court, or exploring alternative ways of complying with the consequences that may stem from your charges.
At the Law Offices of John E. Kusturiss, Jr. in Media, Pennsylvania, we are committed to providing comprehensive criminal defense services to clients facing a variety of criminal charges. If you have been charged with drunk driving, theft, sexual assault or any other crime, contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation regarding your case.
The firm helps clients find out whether they are eligible to have their criminal case resolved through participation in the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program (ARD). Attorneys John E. Kusturiss and Alyssa K. Poole are aggressive advocates for our clients, taking all of the necessary steps to see if the ARD program is right for them.
The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program (ARD) is a specific pre-trial intervention program for non-violent offenders who have no prior record or a limited criminal record. Offenses committed by individuals that may qualify them for ARD are not considered less serious than other crimes. However, the candidates admitted to the program are closely screened to ensure that the individuals admitted to the program are appropriately included.
As it would seem, according to its name, the focus of the program is on rehabilitating offenders rather than punishing them. The intervention is intended to happen earlier rather than later, so that steps can be taken in order to prevent future repetitive criminal behavior. It also assures that program offenders are given the help they need as soon as possible.
Other aspects of the program may include:
- Various amounts of community service to be completed as a condition of the program
- Suspension of an offender's driver's license for various lengths of time
- Completion of alcohol education classes
- Payment of any monetary fines
After successful completion of the program, the offender may seek to have his charges dismissed and his case expunged from his or her criminal record. However, if the conditions of the program are not met, the offender may be removed and placed back on the trial list.
To learn more about how the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program works and if it may be right for you, contact a lawyer at the Law Offices of John E. Kusturiss, Jr. in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, today.
With offices in Media, Pennsylvania, criminal defense, personal injury, & family law lawyers John E. Kusturiss, Jr. and Alyssa K. Poole represent clients throughout Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Chester County, and Delaware County, including the communities of Media, Upper Providence, Middletown, Springfield, Morton, Ridley, Rose Valley, Norwood, Folcroft, Collingdale, Aldan, East Lansdowne, Upper Darby, Yeadon, Colwyn, Brookhaven, Aston, Upland, Newton, Marple, Haverford, Broomall, Woodlyn, West Chester, Avondale, Kennett Square, Concordville, Norristown and Ardmore. Mr. Kusturiss and Ms. Poole are licensed to practice in New Jersey, and Mr. Kusturiss is also licensed in Washington, D.C.
