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2. I understand that I am eligible to participate in the Philadelphia County ARD program
and that if I successfully complete the ARD Program, the charges filed against me will
be dismissed and the criminal history information about these charges will be
automatically expunged.
3. I understand that I can reject the offer to participate in the ARD program and demand
that my case be brought to trial. I also understand that my decision not to participate in
the ARD program and any statement I make in these ARD proceedings cannot be used
against me at trial, except for a prosecution based on the falsity of the information or
statement provided by me.
4. I understand and agree to waive the statute of limitations within which prosecution
must be commenced for the charges against me.
a. I understand and agree that time spent in this program is NOT included in
calculating my rights to a speedy trial under the U.S. and State constitutions. I
also agree that the time spent in the program is NOT included in the time-period
within which I must be tried under Rule 1013 or Rule 600 of the Pennsylvania
Rules of Criminal Procedure.
b. If my case is removed from the ARD Program and sent back for a trial, then the
District Attorney will have 90 days in which to bring me to trial if it is a
misdemeanor case. (Pa.R.Crim.P. 1013(1)) or 365 days if it is a felony case
(Pa.R.Crim.P. 600). The days shall be calculated from the date the court ordered
my case removed from the ARD program and sent back for trial.
5. Successful completion of the ARD program and all of the terms of this agreement offers
me an opportunity to earn a dismissal of the charges pending against me and I may
thereafter seek expungement. Expungement is automatic when completed within the
ARD period and the Commonwealth does not object as provided in Pa.R.Crim.P.320.
For DUI Cases, PennDOT will not expunge its records for at least 10 years.
6. If I have a license suspension, it will become effective within 60 days and I will receive
notice from PennDOT in the mail. Pursuant to 75 Pa. C.S. §§ 3816 and 1541(d), my
driver’s license will NOT be restored until successful completion of Safe Driving
School as ordered by this agreement. A license suspension pursuant to ARD or a DUI
offense is “DUI-related” (DUS/DUI), 75 Pa.C.S.A §1543(b)(1); (b)(2). Driving while
under a DUI-related suspension carry a mandatory 60 or 90-day sentence of
imprisonment and $1,000.00 fine.
7. I understand and agree that if, during the period of the ARD program, I am arrested
and/or convicted on new charges, or if I fail to abide by the requirements of the ARD
program, including the payment of restitution and required costs, I may have to attend
a hearing to determine whether I have violated any of the conditions of ARD program.
I shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The Judge may order when appropriate,
that the ARD program be terminated, and that the attorney for the Commonwealth shall
proceed on the charges as provided in Pa.R.Crim.P.318. If my violation is for failure to
pay restitution and/or court costs, I can present evidence about my inability to pay.