ARD Program in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania

How ARD works in Dauphin County

Dauphin County runs one of the most structured ARD programs in Central PA. The DA screens applications through a dedicated ARD unit and typically requires a completed CRN evaluation before the ARD hearing.

Filing window. Applications are generally due before the formal arraignment; missing that deadline can push the case onto the trial list. You must not have a prior DUI conviction within 10 years and cannot have a prior ARD within 10 years — under Act 58 of 2025, a second DUI within 10 years of a prior ARD is now a new standalone offense under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3802(h) with mandatory penalties.

Harrisburg courthouse & hearings

The Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas is located at 101 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. ARD hearings happen there on a regular ARD list, typically after the CRN drug-and-alcohol evaluation is complete and the DA has approved the application.

Preliminary hearings are held at the Magisterial District Court that covers the arrest location — including MDJ 12-1-04 (Harrisburg), 12-2-02 (Susquehanna Twp.), and 12-3-04 (Lower Paxton).

ARD cost in Dauphin County

Program fees typically fall in the $1,800–$2,600 range once court costs, CRN, Alcohol Highway Safety School, and supervision fees are added — plus your defense fee. That is separate from any restitution owed and separate from your defense attorney's fee. See the full statewide breakdown on the ARD Program pillar page.

License suspension in Dauphin County ARD

License suspension for ARD is a statewide rule set by BAC tier, not by county — 0 days for general impairment (under 0.10), 30 days for high tier (0.10 to under 0.16), and 60 days for highest tier (0.16+) or refusal-eligible cases. Dauphin County follows the same statutory schedule.

Areas we serve in Dauphin County

We handle first-offense DUI and ARD cases across Dauphin County, including Harrisburg, Hershey, Hummelstown, Middletown, Lower Paxton, Susquehanna Township, Steelton, and Millersburg.

Next step

The ARD window closes quickly. We screen ARD eligibility on the first call and walk you through exactly what Dauphin County District Attorney's Office will require for your application.