The DUI ARD program is a pre-trial diversionary program for first time DUI offenders. To be eligible for the program an applicant must meet certain criteria, the most important being that they have had no prior DUIs. Initial screening for acceptance into the DUI ARD program is managed by the District Attorney’s Office. The Adult Probation Office and ultimately a judge of the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas will also review the application to determine where an applicant is eligible for the DUI ARD program. Individuals interested in entering the DUI ARD program must waive their preliminary hearing. All DUI ARD applications must be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office by the date of formal arraignment. DUI ARD applications are available here on the forms link on the DA main page. Individuals who are accepted into the DUI ARD program typically are placed on probation for six months and must comply with certain conditions, which are tailored to their rehabilitative needs. Examples of probationary requirements while in the DUI ARD program include random drug testing, community service hours, and repayment of restitution. There are a number of benefits to the DUI ARD program. The most significant benefits are that entrance into the program is not considered a conviction and that the offense is expunged from the individual’s record upon successful completion of the ARD program.
The ASP program is an intermediate punishment program for second time DUI offenders. The goal of the ASP program is to protect the public by ensuring incarceration and intensive supervision of second time DUI offenders, while allowing offenders to maintain employment and receive necessary alcohol treatment. Applications for the ASP program are due by the date of formal arraignment. Application forms for the ASP program are available here: ASP.pdf or at the District Attorney’s Office. All applicants are screened prior to acceptance into the program to determine their eligibility. If accepted into the ASP program, an offender’s sentence is determined by the specific facts of their DUI arrest; however, all offenders accepted into this program will serve less time in prison than if they entered a guilty plea. For example, a second-time, mid-tier DUI offender would likely be sentenced to spend one week in Northampton County Prison rather than one month and given the benefit of spending the remaining three weeks on house arrest. Following a period of incarceration, the offender remains under the supervision of the Northampton County Adult Probation Office for a period equivalent to the length of the statutory maximum sentence. Offenders accepted in the ASP program also have to comply with various probationary conditions, including completion of rehabilitative treatment and community service.
Northampton County’s Mental Health Court is one of the County’s two established problem-solving courts. Mental Health Court offers evidence-based treatment programs that are designed to address some of the underlying causes of crime. Defendants who are interested in applying for admission into Mental Health Court must submit an application and supporting documentation to the District Attorney’s Office. To be eligible to participate in Mental Health Court, a defendant must be at least eighteen years of age and reside in Northampton County. Further, eligibility depends on the type of offense with which a defendant is charged, the defendant’s prior record, the defendant’s mental health diagnosis, and whether the defendant’s mental health condition was a causal factor in the charged offenses. If accepted into Mental Health Court, defendants are given the opportunity to participate in a treatment-based diversionary program. Representatives from the Judiciary, the District Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, Pretrial Supervision, and the Mental Health team work closely with local treatment providers to provide support and oversight to defendants while they are being treated for their underlying mental illness. The purpose of Mental Health Court is to reduce the potential for recidivism by giving individuals the tools they need to cope with their mental health issues, as well as to avoid overly-harsh punishments for behaviors that are directly related to their diagnosis. Successful completion of the program results in a dismissal of the underlying criminal charges. It should be noted that although Northampton County does not have a specifically designated Veterans Court, Mental Health Court has specific screenings in place to identify veterans and to provide specific, tailored treatment for their individual needs.
To apply go to the forms page for an application or come to the DA's office and fill out the application in person.
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Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
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Easton, Pennsylvania 18042