YOUR OPTIONS AFTER A DUI ARD CHOICES
For those facing a DUI charge in Pennsylvania, the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program may be an attractive option. ARD exists to give certain motorists the option to learn from their mistake without the life-altering consequences of a criminal conviction. However, not all drivers qualify, and even those who do may find some requirements challenging. Qualifications The following conditions must be met to apply for the ARD program: 1. The applicant must have a clean record for the past 10 years. An exception would be a first-offense, ungraded misdemeanor. 2. The DUI charges under review must not involve death or serious injury to another motorist. Additionally, if the DUI in question involved a passenger under 14 years of age, the applicant will be disqualified from consideration. Also, note that if you have been approved for ARD in the past, your chances of being accepted a second time will be diminished. Your Driver’s License While under the ARD program, you will be subject to certain rules, which may include the suspension of your license. This suspension is based on your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the incident: • A BAC under 0.10 percent will result in no suspension. • A BAC between 0.10–0.16 percent will result in 30 days suspension. • A BAC exceeding 0.16 percent will result in 60 days suspension.
There are several other factors not related to BAC which can also influence the terms of a license suspension. They are as follows: • If the driver was under 21 years old, they will get 90 days suspension. • If the DUI involved drugs, the driver will get 60 days suspension. • Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders should be aware that regardless of these factors, agreeing to an ARD will result in a year-long suspension of your commercial license. Other Requirements Depending on the details of your case, the court may order you to complete certain tasks, such as taking alcohol highway safety classes, receiving counseling, and/or performing community service. You will also pay a fine of roughly $1,400 and be submitted to a probationary period that typically lasts six months to a year. If you complete this period without any other arrests, the district attorney will drop the charges against you. For many drivers, the ARD is an attractive option. However, if you feel the charges brought against you are dubious and you cannot risk a long-term suspension of your license, especially if you are a CDL holder, it may be better to consider fighting the charges in court. An experienced Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney, such as the ones on our team here at Young Marr & Associates, can give you a better perspective on the legal avenues available to you.
BUTTERY ROASTED CHESTNUTS
SUDOKU
INGREDIENTS •
2 pounds fresh chestnuts, unpeeled
•
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• •
2–3 sprigs rosemary
• •
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat oven to 450 F. 2. Place a large sheet of foil on a rimmed baking sheet. 3. On a large, flat workspace, place chestnuts flat side down. Using a sharp knife, carve an X on the rounded side of each chestnut. 4. In a large bowl of hot water, soak chestnuts for 1 minute. 5. Pat dry and transfer to a medium bowl. Add rosemary, butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Toss to coat and transfer to baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer. Gather the edges of the foil together, leaving an opening at the top.
6. Roast until peels curl up, about 30–45 minutes. 7. Transfer to a platter and serve while hot or warm.
Inspired by Bon Appétit
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