How to get ARD in Adams County, PA
This is a quick reference guide on how to get ARD. The guide is for people 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 up. The guide authored by Steve Rice Law, the #1 pick of criminal defense firms for Adams County.
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 to follow assume that you got the charges by mail, which is typical in ARD eligible cases.
There is nothing you can do before you get the charges to help you get ARD in the typical case.
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, which is typically done at the booking center.
You will get a fingerprint order and instruction sheet in the mail along with the charges.
Follow the order and 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.
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.
You should verify your eligibility for ARD before submitting the application (or taking any other steps to get ARD).
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 take an extra step and to the ARD Admission Colloquy.
you must also read and sign the ARD Admission Colloquy. It is part of the same multipart form as the application.
The Colloquy goes through the rights you are giving up if you enter into ARD, and the fact that this 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 CRN done
Again, if and only if you are charged with DUI, you need to get a CRN done.
If you don’t do the CRN, you won’t get ARD.
But they may let you do it after you admitted if there was no an opportunity to get it done beforehand
Step 5: Get approved for ARD
The third step is to waive your preliminary hearing.
If you have a lawyer, you can do it through him or her and skip the court event.
If you do not have a lawyer, you can’t. You have to go to court do to it.
If you don’t get approved by the DA, you won’t get ARD.
Step 6: Get admitted to ARD
If you are charged with DUI, in addition to the application, you must also read and sign the ARD Admission Colloquy.
The Colloquy goes through a number of things, including the rights you are giving up if you enter into ARD, and the fact that this could be used against you later if you get another DUI.
If you don’t get admitted by the Court, you won’t get ARD.
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