08/04/2026
Do you qualify for ARD? It is one of the most common questions we hear from clients, and knowing the answer early can completely change the direction of a DUI case.
ARD, or Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, is a discretionary program offered in every county. It provides a valuable alternative to a traditional criminal conviction, giving eligible individuals the chance to move forward without the long term impact of a criminal record.
To qualify, there are a few important requirements. It must be your first offense within a 10 year period. There cannot have been a minor in the vehicle at the time of the stop. You must have had valid insurance. And there cannot have been any serious injuries involved.
Even when someone meets all these criteria, ARD acceptance is not automatic. It is discretionary, meaning the District Attorney in each county has the final say on who is admitted.
That is exactly where having the right legal team makes such a difference. A skilled attorney knows how to present your case in the strongest possible light and advocate for your entry into the program.
The short version is this. If it is a first offense within the past 10 years, you most likely qualify. However, getting accepted is a different conversation entirely.