Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD)

ARD is a pre-trial intervention program designed for first-time, non-violent offenders. ARD diverts these individuals from the traditional criminal justice system and places them into a program of supervision and rehabilitation. The goal of ARD is to address the root cause of the criminal behavior, teach a lesson, and prevent future offenses, thereby benefitting the individual and the community at large.

Upon completion of all court-ordered requirements, the charges against the participant are dismissed by the District Attorney’s Office. Following dismissal, the individual may petition the court to have all records of the arrest and charges expunged, effectively clearing their public criminal record. Northampton County

ARD program operates on two distinct tracks, each with its own specific criteria and procedures:

  1. DUI ARD: A structured program for individuals charged with a first-time Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offense.
  2. Non-DUI ARD: A discretionary program for individuals charged with certain otehr first-time, non-violent offenses.

Eligibility for DUI ARD – Understanding the Strict Requirements

Admission into the DUI ARD program is governed by strict, state-mandated eligibility criteria. An individual must meet all of the following requirements to be considered for the program in Northampton County:

  • First-Time Offender Status: The applicant must not have any prior DUI convictions or have been accepted into an ARD program for a DUI offense within the previous 10 years.  
  • No Serious Bodily Injury: The incident that led to the DUI charge must not have involved an accident that resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another person.  
  • No Minor Passengers: There were no passengers under the age of 14 in the vehicle at the time of the offense.  
  • Valid License and Insurance: The driver must have possessed a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance at the time of the incident.  
  • No Habitual Offender Status: The applicant’s driving record must not be so poor as to categorize them as a “habitual offender” under Pennsylvania law.

It is important to understand that meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Every application undergoes a thorough review by the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office, the Adult Probation Department, and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas before a final decision is made.

Step 1: Attend Preliminary Hearing

At this hearing, defendants are informed about the ARD program and provided with the official application materials. Hearing will take place at Northampton County Central Court, Courtroom 4, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA

Step 2: Schedule CRN Evaluation

This mandatory Court Reporting Network (CRN) evaluation assesses drug and alcohol use. It must be scheduled and completed for the ARD application to be considered. Call Northampton County DUI Program at 610-829-6825 to schedule.

Step 3: Complete & Submit Application

The official DUI ARD application form must be filled out completely and truthfully. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Mail completed application to: Northampton County Adult Probation Department, 105 South Union Street, Easton, PA 18042

Step 4: Attend ARD Screening

This is a mandatory appointment where the conditions, costs, and procedures of the ARD Program are reviewed in detail. Failure to attend will result in denial. Screening will be done with Northampton County DUI Program Staff – applicant will receive notice by mail. 

Step 5: Final Review & Admission

The District Attorney’s Office and a judge will review the application. If approved, the defendant is formally admitted into the program. If denied, the case is scheduled for trial. This step takes place at the Court of Common Pleas.

ARD Supervision and Requirements

The DUI ARD program is an active, rehabilitative process, not a passive one. Participants are placed on probation for a period of six to twelve months and must comply with several conditions, typically including:

  • Probationary Supervision
  • Alcohol Highway Safety School
  • Drug and Alcohol Assessment
  • Community Service
  • Restitution