ARD Application

Overview

This document is a packet for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program in Blair County, Pennsylvania. It includes a waiver of rights for the defendant, a questionnaire to determine eligibility, and a confidentiality authorization form. The forms are dated August 29, 2014.

Application and Waiver

The first page serves as the formal application for ARD, distinguishing between DUI and non-DUI charges.

• Fees: A fee of $300 is due with the application for DUI charges. No fee is required for non-DUI charges at this stage.
• Requirements: A Criminal Complaint must be attached to the application.
• Waiver of Rights: The defendant waives their right to a speedy trial and compulsory joinder provisions (18 Pa. C. S. A. § 110) to allow time for the District Attorney's Office to review the application and for the Court to make a decision.
• Verification: The defendant verifies that statements are true under penalty of unsworn falsification to authorities.
• Reporting Portal Fee: A separate box notes that Blair County Adult Probation & Parole requires a credit, debit, or prepaid Visa card with $24 for the web-based reporting portal upon entering the program.

Eligibility Questionnaire

The second page contains instructions and personal data fields for the defendant.

• Total Program Costs:
  • DUI Charges: Total cost is $650. This includes a $300 payment to the Blair County DUI Program (due with application) and $350 to Blair County Cost & Fines (due on or prior to sentencing).
  • Non-DUI Charges: Total cost is $475, paid via a payment plan established by the Blair County Cost and Fines Office. No amount is due with the application.
• Submission: The application should be returned at the Preliminary Conference or to Blair Drug & Alcohol Partnerships at 3001 Fairway Drive, Suite D, Altoona, PA.
• Data Collection: The form requests full name, address, contact information, marital status, and details regarding the current offense (charges, date, arresting agency, attorney, magistrate).

Personal History and Background

The third page collects detailed background information.

• Current Offense Details: Specific questions regarding blood/alcohol test results, refusals, accidents, and insurance payments for DUI charges. For non-DUI charges, it asks about loss/damage and restitution.
• Personal History: The defendant must list all addresses from the past five years, educational institutions attended (high school/college), and work history for the past five years.
• Income: The form asks for monthly income from employment and other sources of household income.

Confidentiality Authorization

The fourth page is an "Authorization to Release Information" form for the Blair County Drug and Alcohol Program, Inc.

• Authorization: The individual authorizes the release of information to the Blair County Adult Probation & Parole Office.
• Information Released: The form specifies that "Attendance" is the only item checked for release. Other options like PCPC Summary Sheets, ASAM Summary Sheets, and Psychosocial summaries are unchecked.
• Reason: The reason for disclosure is listed as "Coordination of Services. "
• Duration: The authorization is valid for no longer than one year unless a specific expiration date is provided.
• Prohibition: The document includes a standard prohibition against redisclosure, noting that the information is protected by State and Federal Law.