COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA CASE NO: _________________________
VS O.T. N. NO:_________________________
___________________________________
DEFENDANT
EXPLANATION OF ACCELERATED REHABILITATION PROGRAM (ARD) AND WAIVER OF RIGHTS FORM
1. I understand that I have been charged with a crime and that I have a right to go to trial on that charge. I am
presumed innocent of this charge and the prosecution must prove my guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
2. Notwithstanding my right to go to trial, I ask to be placed in the Indiana County ARD Program and I CERTIFY
THAT I HAVE NOT PREVIOUSLY BEEN IN SUCH A PROGRAM IN THIS OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.
3. I understand the District Attorney will consider any prior criminal conviction that I may have.
(a) I understand the District Attorney will consider a victim’s input on my request for ARD.
4. I understand that the maximum period that a defendant can be placed on ARD is two (2) years and that most
cases have a one (1) year period of ARD and the special terms and conditions of the program are as follows:
(a) I will pay the costs of the Accelerated Rehabilitation Program.
(b) I may have to receive an alcohol and/or drug evaluation or a mental health evaluation and
follow through with any recommended treatment and pay the costs thereof.
(c) I will complete any community service hours as may be ordered by the Court.
(d) If I caused any property damage or personal injury to anyone and do not have insurance
to pay for such damage or personal injury, I will make restitution to the victim of the amount of such
damage or personal injury.
(e) I will abide by the general rules and regulations applicable to the Accelerated Rehabilitation Program.
5. I understand that the charges which have been filed against me will not be further prosecuted while I am in the
ARD Program, but if I fail to complete the program satisfactorily, I will be removed from the program and the
charges filed against me will then be prosecuted according to law as if I had never been in the ARD Program.
6. I understand that if I successfully complete the ARD Program, the charges which have been filed against me
will be dismissed and the arrest record expunged.
7. I understand that I can reject this offer of ARD and demand that my case be brought to trial instead and that
neither rejection of ARD nor any statement I make in these ARD proceedings can be used against me at trial.
8. I understand that by participating in the ARD Program I waive (give up) the following rights:
(a) My right to a preliminary hearing.
(b) My right to a formal Court arraignment
(c) The right to have my case tried before a jury within three hundred and sixty-five (365) days from the
date the complaint was filed against me and dismissed if not tried within 365 days.
(d) The applicable statute of limitations within which prosecution must be commenced on the charges
against me.
9. Time spent in processing the application for ARD will be excluded in computing the 365 days under Rule 600.
10. I understand that if my case is removed from the ARD Program and sent back for trial, the District Attorney will
then have one hundred and twenty (120) days within which to bring me to trial under Rule 600.
I HAVE READ THE ABOVE AND FULLY UNDERSTAND IT.
SIGNED: SIGNED: ________________________________
Defendant Defense Attorney
DATE: _____________________ (Revised 12-13-18)