Blair County - Programs
Programs
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD)
ARD allows first time, nonviolent offenders the opportunity to gain dismissal and expungement of their charges. Expungement can only be gained if the individual successfully completes the program including paying all restitution, costs, fines, and completion of community service. Entrance into this program is at the discretion of the District Attorney and an individual may only receive ARD once.
Criminal Drug Court Program
Blair County offers a drug court program for eligible offenders whose crimes are directly related to a drug addiction.
COUNTY INTERMEDIATE PUNISHMENT PROGRAM
A 36 month program followed by a probationary tail where the offender receives a reduction in incarceration and must complete the 36 month drug court program. The offender pleads to the criminal charges, which will serve as convictions.
DIVERSIONARY DRUG COURT PROGRAM
An 18 month diversionary drug treatment program that, upon successful completion, allows for the dismissal and expungement of most charges. This program is segregated into high-risk participants and low-risk participants.
Disposition In Lieu Of Trial (DILOT)
Disposition in lieu of trial or criminal punishment is a statutory program for individuals charged with nonviolent crimes and who claim to be drug dependent and prior to trial request appropriate treatment. This program requires a recommendation from a physician trained in the field of drug dependency or drug abuse. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals receive a dismissal of their charges. An individual may only receive disposition in lieu of trial or criminal punishment once. Entrance into this program is at the discretion of the District Attorney.
DUI Treatment Court
Blair County offers a DUI treatment court for eligible offenders whose number and severity of DUI crimes are directly related to a drug or alcohol addiction. Eligible offenders' sentences normally include reduced incarceration and inpatient treatment.
Probation Without Verdict (PWOV)
Probation without verdict is a statutory program which allows a qualified individual charged with certain nonviolent crimes under Title 35 to plead guilty or nolo contendere in exchange for a term of probation. Upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions of probation, the charges are dismissed and do not count against the individual's criminal record. An individual may only receive probation without verdict once.
Contact
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Peter J. Weeks
423 Allegheny Street,
Suite 421
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3010
Office Hours:
M-F: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
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.