If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Philadelphia, you are no doubt fearful of the consequences that you may face. These can range from any number of things based upon the individual circumstances of your case. According to the State of Pennsylvania, if you have never had a DUI before or never had a DUI within the previous 10 years, you may qualify for what is called Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD).
ARD is a program that has many specific requirements you may need to meet. You cannot participate in ARD if you had anyone 13 years of age or younger riding with you at the time you were arrested. You may also not participate in ARD if anyone else was hurt or died related to a crash and your DUI arrest.
If you meet the basic criteria for ARD and your blood alcohol content was over 0.15 percent, you will lose the right to drive for 60 days. Your license suspension will be reduced to 30 days if your BAC was between 0.10 and 0.15 percent. If your BAC was 0.08 or 0.09 percent, you will not experience a license suspension.
In addition to a potential license suspension, you will be placed on probation for as long as one year and must attend classes focused on alcohol and driving safety. You will be required to pay for the cost of these classes. Additional substance assessment may also be ordered. This information is not intended to provide legal advice but general information about Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition in DUI cases in Philadelphia.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
April 7, 2016
