What is Section 17 in PA?
Pennsylvania’s Section 17 probation program offers those who have been charged with a drug crime for the first time a second chance at life. People who have substance abuse problems often underestimate the impact that a drug record can have on their future.
What does probation without verdict mean?
A PBJ is basically a sentence of probation without the official guilty verdict. Therefore, pleading guilty to the DWI charge may lock in the case as a matter of public record, without the opportunity of expungement for a possible not guilty verdict without the plea deal.
What is PWOV?
Probation Without Verdict, otherwise known as PWV or PWOV for short, is a Pennsylvania law allowing qualified first-time misdemeanor drug offenders to avoid a criminal conviction. It is found under Section 17 of the Pennsylvania Controlled Substances Act.
What is ARD probation in PA?
The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (“ARD”) Program is supervised by the ARD Captain, who reviews criminal cases for potential admission. ARD is a unique program, approved by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, for first-time offenders who have no prior criminal convictions or prior ARD dispositions.
What’s the difference between formal and informal probation?
Generally, formal probation is supervised by an assigned probation officer to whom you must report on a regular basis. Informal probation is generally granted in misdemeanor cases and does not require a formal supervision by a specific probation officer. You do not have to have meetings with the Probation Department.
Is Ard an admission of guilt?
The benefit of ARD is that it does not result in a conviction or admission of guilt. Upon successfully the Program, a defendant is entitled to move to have the charges dismissed and the corresponding criminal/arrest record expunged.
How many times can you get ARD in PA?
The maximum period for ARD is two years, but for most DUI charges the period is one year. Some counties even shorten this period to six months if you have completed all of your requirements.