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Am I eligible for the ARD program for my Lancaster, PA DUI?
Joseph Kenneff • February 17, 2014

Many people have heard the term ARD, but are unsure what the term actually means and entails. “ARD” stands for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition. While it can be used for other crimes, it is most often a program considered for first offense DUI clients. The program includes a period of time on probation, completion of a number hours of community service, completion of alcohol highway safety classes, and completion of drug and alcohol counseling. While there are many benefits to admission into the ARD program, its seminal feature is that the DUI charge against you is dismissed upon successful completion of the ARD program. Its other benefits include the avoidance of mandatory jail time and a significantly shorter license suspension.

There are, however, a number of potential roadblocks regarding whether the DA ultimately recommends you for the program. An offender will not be considered for ARD if  1)the offender has been convicted of DUI or accepted into the ARD program within 10 years of the date of the current offense; 2)An accident occurred in connection with the offense where a person, other than the offender, was killed or suffered serious bodily injury; or 3)There was a passenger under 14 years of age in the motor vehicle the offender was operating. Additionally, an offender will not be afforded the opportunity of entrance into the ARD program if the offender committed the following violations of the motor vehicle code: 1) Driving without a license; 2) Driving Under a (license) Suspension; 3) Driving with no Financial Responsibility (insurance); 4) The offender has an extensive driving record as determined by the district attorney; 5) The offender has more than one prior DUI / ARD; or 6) The offender’s blood alcohol level is 0.30% or above.

In some cases, the ARD program may not be the best option. The arresting officer may have made an illegal stop of your vehicle or may not have had probable cause to arrest you at the scene of the vehicle stop. It is important, therefore, to contact an experienced Lancaster, PA DUI Lawyer immediately following your arrest to determine your best course of action.

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Generally, an executor of an estate is responsible for managing and distributing the deceased person’s assets according to their will. The first duty is to file the will and death certificate at the Lancaster County Register of Wills to start the legal process. After being officially appointed as the Executor or Executrix (female), the executor needs to inform the beneficiaries named in the will and notify creditors of the decedent’s passing. The executor needs to identify, locate, and value the deceased’s assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal belongings. Once the assets are identified, the executor typically sets up an estate account and moves all the assets into that account. From that account, the executor would typically pay any bills and any inheritance taxes owed by the estate. Once taxes and debts are paid, the executor distributes the remaining assets to beneficiaries according to the will’s terms. The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries, following the terms of the will and applicable laws. Being appointed as an executor or executrix, and settling a loved one's estate, is a great responsibility and entails considerable time and effort. Let Goodman & Kenneff help you through the Lancaster County estate administration and probate process.

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