Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition ("ARD") Program

The ARD Program is a program available to first time DUI offenders in Pennsylvania as a way to reduce the impact a DUI will have on your life and your driver's license. Under the ARD program, the penalties for a DUI are reduced and, once the court conditions are completed, the DUI will be expunged and removed from your record.  The program is not available to everyone and it is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side to ensure that you are admitted into the program. 

Does New Jersey have an ARD Program?

New Jersey does not currently have an ARD program for DWI charges; however, there are certain diversionary programs available for other charges such as drug offenses.  

With the ARD Program - Penalty for First Offense DUI:

With the ARD Program, and depending on the circumstances of the case, the penalties for a first offense DUI can be reduced significantly:

• Nothing on your record - your record will be expunged and all traces of the DUI will be removed from your record;

• No jail time;

• As little as no driver's license suspension;

• Alcohol Highway Safety School;

• Probation for a period of as short as 6 months;

• Drug and Alcohol Assessment;

• Other conditions as may be imposed by the Court.

The ARD program significantly reduces the penalty for a first offense DUI and, most importantly, the ARD program allows you to have the DUI charge expunged from your record completely.  Remember, the penalties for a first offense DUI are harsh but with The Law Office of Michael F. Niznik on your side, we can work to get you onto the ARD program and have the DUI removed and expunged from your record.