First-Time DUIs in Delaware County & Why ARD Is Your Best Option

It’s a Friday night in Media, PA. Maybe you were out with friends in downtown Swarthmore, grabbing dinner in Springfield, or catching a game in Philly. You felt fine to drive, but suddenly, flashing lights appeared in your rearview mirror. Now, you’re facing a first-offense DUI in Delaware County, and the reality is sinking in—court dates, license suspension, heavy fines, and even jail time.

If this is your first DUI, you have options, and a DUI charge is not a guaranteed conviction. The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program and working with an experienced local DUI lawyer may be the best way to protect your future.

At Fienman Defense, we’ve helped countless first-time DUI clients in Delaware County get into ARD, their charges dismissed, and their records expunged. Delaware County defense attorney Michael Fienman knows the Delaware County courts inside and out and understands how to navigate ARD and first-time DUI cases quickly and effectively.

Arrested for DUI in Delco? Here’s What You Need to Know

Pennsylvania uses a tiered system for DUI penalties, which means your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest plays a key role in determining your consequences. If convicted of a first DUI, you could face:

General Impairment (BAC .08 – .099): Up to six months of probation, a $300 fine, and mandatory Alcohol Highway Safety School.
High Rate (BAC .10 – .159): 48 hours to six months in jail, fines from $500 – $5,000, and a one-year license suspension.
Highest Rate (BAC .16+ or drug-related DUI): 72 hours to six months in jail, fines from $1,000 – $5,000, and a one-year license suspension.

Beyond these penalties, a DUI conviction can significantly impact your life, including increased insurance rates, employment difficulties, and a permanent criminal record. Fortunately, first-time DUI offenders in Delaware County have a powerful alternative: the ARD program.

ARD in Delaware County for First Offense DUIs

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program is a pre-trial diversion initiative in Delaware County and elsewhere in the Commonwealth designed to help first-time, non-violent offenders avoid a conviction and move forward with a clean slate. Instead of facing severe criminal penalties, eligible DUI offenders can complete ARD requirements and have their charges dismissed.

The Benefits of ARD for First-Time DUIs in Delco

No Jail Time – Participants avoid incarceration entirely.
Reduced License Suspension – No suspension for lower BAC levels; higher BAC cases may face 30-60 days instead of an entire year.
Expungement Eligibility – Successful completion allows you to petition for expungement, removing the DUI from your record.
No Criminal Conviction – ARD prevents a DUI conviction, protecting your employment, education, and background checks.

Who Qualifies for ARD in Delaware County?

Eligibility for ARD is determined by the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and depends on several factors. Some of those considerations include:

You must be a first-time DUI offender with no prior DUIs in the past 10-15 years.
No serious injury or fatalities resulted from the DUI.
No minor under 14 was in the vehicle at the time of arrest.
You must agree to complete all ARD program requirements, including alcohol education, community service, and probation terms.

ARD & How Fienman Helps in Delaware County

Entering ARD comes with strict deadlines and requirements; even a small mistake can jeopardize your eligibility. At Fienman Defense, we remove the guesswork, ensuring you stay on track and maximize your chances of success.

1. Determine Your Eligibility

Not every first-time DUI case is automatically accepted into ARD. We will evaluate your case, reviewing the details of your arrest and any potential obstacles to eligibility. If there’s any question about qualification, we’ll build a strong case to present to the Delaware County District Attorney.

2. Prepare & Submit Your ARD Application

A well-prepared ARD application can make or break your acceptance into the program. Missing documents, procedural missteps, or incomplete paperwork can lead to delays or denials. We handle the entire application process, ensuring everything is complete, accurate, and submitted on time.

3. Advocate for Your Admission to ARD

Acceptance into ARD is not automatic—it requires approval from the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office. If necessary, we negotiate with prosecutors to highlight mitigating factors in your case and demonstrate why ARD is the best resolution. Sometimes, our clients are initially denied admission to ARD and we have successfully advocated for them through a reconsideration request.

4. Help You Successfully Complete ARD

Once accepted, you’ll need to meet ARD’s requirements, which may include:

Alcohol education classes (AHSS)
Community service
Probationary terms
Fines and court costs

We’ll ensure you fully understand your obligations and guide you through each step so you stay compliant and on track for completion.

5. Expunge Your DUI Record After ARD

One of the most significant benefits of ARD is that, upon successful completion, you can expunge the DUI from your record—but this doesn’t happen automatically. If you choose, we’ll handle the expungement for you, ensuring your DUI arrest and charges are entirely hidden from public records and protecting your future opportunities.

Our Success in Delamare County DUI & ARD Cases

At Fienman Defense, we’ve helped hundreds of clients in Delaware County avoid the worst consequences of a first-time DUI by securing their acceptance into the ARD program and successfully expunging their records.

More Case Results

FAQs – First-Time DUIs & ARD in Delaware County

Can I Avoid a License Suspension With ARD?

Not entirely, but ARD significantly reduces the suspension period compared to a standard DUI conviction. Most first-time DUI offenders in Pennsylvania face a 12-month license suspension. Still, those accepted into ARD typically receive a much shorter suspension—30 or 60 days, depending on their blood alcohol content (BAC) level.

How Long Does the ARD Program Last?

Typically, it takes six months to one year, depending on the case details and requirements. In certain circumstances, the program can be up to two years.

Will My DUI Automatically Be Expunged After ARD?

No. You must file a petition for expungement, which we can handle for clients to ensure their records are cleared.

How Much Does ARD Cost in Delco?

Costs vary, but ARD fees, fines, and classes typically total around $1,900 for DUI cases in Delaware County.

Do I Need a Lawyer for ARD in Delaware County?

According to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office guidelines, no application for admission to the ARD Program will be considered unless an attorney represents the applicant. This requirement ensures that your rights are protected throughout the process and your case is handled properly.

Hiring an experienced lawyer fulfills this requirement, maximizes your chances of acceptance into ARD, and helps ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

Don’t Face a Delco DUI Alone—Call Fienman Defense

With his extensive experience handling DUI cases in Media, Springfield, Havertown, Ridley, and more, attorney Michael Fienman knows how to navigate the Delaware County court system efficiently, helping clients avoid jail, reduce license suspensions, and protect their future.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Delaware County and want to explore ARD, call Fienman Defense at (215) 839-9529 for a free consultation or complete our contact form to discuss your options.

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