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PA DUI ARD Guide: Hidden Costs & Crucial Deadlines

Name: PA DUI ARD Guide: Hidden Costs & Crucial Deadlines
Uploaded: 2026-06-23T16:31:56+00:00
Channel: Sean P. Quinlan, Esq.
Description: Pennsylvania's ARD program for first-offense DUI explained — eligibility, hidden costs, deadlines, license suspension, and how Act 58 of 2025 changed the rules.

Pennsylvania's ARD program for first-offense DUI explained — eligibility, hidden costs, deadlines, license suspension, and how Act 58 of 2025 changed the rules.

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Summary: ARD, or Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, is Pennsylvania's pre-trial diversion program for many first-offense DUI defendants. It can keep a conviction off your record, eliminate mandatory jail time, and shorten your license suspension — but only if you meet the deadlines and complete every condition. In this video, attorney Sean Quinlan explains who qualifies for ARD after Act 58 of 2025, what the program actually costs, how long it lasts, and the hidden deadlines that cause people to lose the benefit. He covers the CRN evaluation, Alcohol Highway Safety School, monthly supervision, treatment referrals, and the expungement petition that must be filed after successful completion. The video also explains how a prior ARD now counts as a prior offense for any new DUI within 10 years.

Why this matters for your Pennsylvania DUI case

ARD is usually the best outcome for a first-time PA DUI defendant, but missing a deadline or applying unscreened can turn a dismissal back into a full prosecution. Understanding the real cost and timeline helps you protect the opportunity.

Key takeaways from the video

ARD is not a conviction and ends in dismissal and expungement if completed successfully.
Costs typically run $1,800 to $3,500 including court costs, supervision, school, and restoration fees.
License suspension is 0, 30, or 60 days depending on BAC tier — far shorter than a conviction.
Act 58 of 2025 makes a prior ARD count as a prior DUI offense within 10 years.
The expungement is not automatic; a petition must be filed after the program ends.

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This video and page are general legal information about Pennsylvania DUI defense and do not constitute legal advice for your specific case. Every case turns on its own facts. Contact a licensed Pennsylvania DUI attorney to evaluate your situation.