How to get ARD in Adams County, PA
This is a checklist on how to get ARD. It goes through how things actually work in the real world, step by step.
The guide is for clients of Steve Rice Law and self helpers who have been charged with PA crimes and have cases in Adams County, PA. We talk about the basics of each step in the process. If you take these steps, and you are eligible for ARD, you should get ARD (unless you mess something up).
The checklist is authored by Steve Rice, founder of the #1 pick of criminal defense firms for the area. The content is based off of his experience and research. It was not generated by AI.
Step 1: Get the charges
The first step is to get the charges, which you will get by mail or from a judge.
The steps below assume that you got the charges by mail, which is typical in ARD eligible cases.
If you don’t get charged, you won’t get ARD, or want it, for that matter.
Step 2: Get fingerprinted
The second step is to get fingerprinted.
You will get a fingerprint order and instruction sheet in the mail along with the charges. Follow the order. Follow the instructions.
If you don’t get your prints done, you won’t get ARD.
Step 3: Waive the preliminary hearing
The third step is to waive your preliminary hearing (“prelim”).
If you have a lawyer, you can do it through him or her and skip the prelim. If you do not have a lawyer, you can’t. You have to go to court do to it. Either way, there will be some paperwork.
If you don’t waive the prelim, you won’t get ARD.
Step 4: Apply for ARD
The fourth step is to apply for ARD.
There is one form for DUI cases and another form for non-DUI cases. You need to get the application, read it and sign it, and give it to the DA at least 7 days before arraignment.
If you don’t apply for ARD, you won’t get ARD.
Extra step: Do the colloquy
If and only if you are charged with DUI, you have to complete and sign the ARD Admission Colloquy.
The Colloquy goes through the rights you are giving up if you enter into ARD, and the fact that this DUI could be used against you later if you get another DUI.
If you don’t do the colloquy, you won’t get ARD.
Another extra step: Get the CRN done
Again, if and only if you are charged with DUI, you need to do a CRN.
A CRN is a type of drug and alcohol evaluation. You will get something in the mail from the Probation Office about scheduling the CRN. Check your mail.
If you don’t do the CRN, you won’t get ARD.
Step 5: Get approved for ARD
The fifth step is to get approved for ARD.
The DA makes that decision. They will do a background check first and make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements. How are you to know if you’re approved? Follow up.
If you don’t get approved by the DA, you won’t get ARD.
Step 6: Get admitted to ARD
The sixth step is to get admitted to ARD.
If your ARD application has been approved, the DA will typically ask for you to be admitted on the day of arraignment. The court typically says yes if the DA requests it. But the court can disagree.
If the court does not admit you to ARD, you will not get ARD.
Baby steps
The steps above are oversimplified as an introduction to the process. Each of the steps is more like a project with a series of activities and a number of moving parts.
In other words, there are baby steps, which are beyond the scope of this page.
If you want more details, click/tap the button below.
Want a free consultation?
If you want to talk to a lawyer, but you’re not sure what kind of help you want, give us a call, text us, or fill out the free consultation form.
During the consultation, we will quote a fee for a formal consultation, which is best for self helpers who are thinking about doing it themselves.
We will also quote you a fee for representation, which is best for people who do not want to go it alone.
If you go through the form, we offer a 5% discount on the fee for legal services, if you hire us during the consultation.
Free consultation form
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The steps on this page deal with the typical case.
Things don’t always work this way, but they usually do.
Exceptions can and do occur. The steps above are the rules.
If you want more information click/tap detail button for the step you want more information about.
-
You should try to estimate your eligibility for ARD before submitting the ARD application or taking any other steps.
If you are not eligible, you can ask the DA to make an exception and explain why you think one is justified.
-
You are eligible if:
You are now charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime;
The case is in Adams, Franklin, Cumberland, or York County;
You want and can afford to hire a lawyer for representation; and
You book the free consultation right here (and not on the phone).
For more information, go to our free consultation page.
-
The information on this page is just that, information, not advice.
The information is about how things work in general and not in your case in particular.
If you want to know how things will work in your case, consult a lawyer.
If you want legal advice, consult a lawyer.