Frequently Asked Questions

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program is offered by the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office and is available to many first-time offenders. It is an alternative to a trial, conviction or jail sentence. Offenders who successfully complete the ARD program may have their charges dismissed and their criminal records expunged.

No, you may apply for ARD at any time.

To apply for ARD, an offender must complete the following:

• Complete a Non-DUI Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Application and submit to the District Attorney's Office.
• Sign a Motion for Trial Continuance and Waiver Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Form.

No, but there is no substitute for competent legal advice, and the District Attorney's Office cannot give you legal advice. Consulting with an attorney will ensure that you understand the charges filed against you, your rights, ARD and any other legal alternatives available to you. If you cannot afford an attorney, contact the Lancaster County Bail Administration Office at 717-295-3584 to apply for a Public Defender.

There is an administrative fee of $950. If you qualify for the services of a court-appointed attorney, the administrative fee is $650. 

This fee must be paid, in full, prior to the scheduled ARD hearing. Fees may be paid to the Collections Enforcement Unit at Adult Probation and Parole any time after formal arraignment. A defendant may be allowed one 30- to 60-day continuance to pay this administrative fee. There will be no further exceptions to this deadline.

You can also expect to pay a fine, court costs and a probation supervision fee. While the fine, court costs and fees are standardized, they are subject to change at the discretion of the court or the District Attorney's Office.

No. The District Attorney's Office has the discretion to disapprove ARD for any defendant. Because the facts and circumstances of each offense are different, the District Attorney's Office evaluates each arrest on a case-by-case basis to determine if ARD is appropriate.

You may download or print the ARD application or get one from the Office of the District Attorney. Because there are separate applications for DUI and non-DUI offenses, you must be certain that you complete the correct application.

You may download or print a Continuance Form or get one at the Office of the District Attorney.

Failure to comply with any condition or provision of the ARD program will be deemed an unsuccessful completion of the program. In such a case, the District Attorney's Office may proceed with prosecution of your criminal charges and the underlying record shall not be expunged.

As previously stated, you may wish to consult with an attorney in relation to this charge and your options. The penalties for conviction vary upon your criminal charges and prior record.