CLEARFIELD COUNTY — The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program for first-time DUI offenders has been reinstated in Clearfield County following the passage of new state legislation aimed at addressing repeat drunk-driving offenses.
The ARD program had been suspended on June 4, 2025, in Clearfield County and across much of Pennsylvania after a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling in Commonwealth v. Shifflett. In that decision, the court held that participation in ARD could not be treated as a prior conviction when sentencing defendants for subsequent DUI offenses.
While the ruling benefited defendants facing enhanced penalties for second or subsequent DUIs within a 10-year period, prosecutors and lawmakers expressed concern that it weakened accountability for repeat offenders and reduced protections for the public.
On December 22, 2025, following efforts by the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association and state lawmakers, Act 55 was signed into law. The statute was designed to address the gap created by the Shifflett decision while preserving the rehabilitative purpose of ARD.
Under the new law, the ARD program and its expungement process remain intact for eligible first-time DUI offenders. At the same time, the legislation creates a new DUI offense classification for individuals who commit another DUI after successfully completing ARD. This change ensures that repeat offenses — including serious crimes such as homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence — carry enhanced penalties.
Clearfield County District Attorney, Ryan Sayers, said in the memo the updated statute fills the void and corrects the issue while maintaining the benefits for those eligible and reinforces protection while also providing greater protection for victims and their families.
According to a memo on Dec. 29, Sayers said ARD will once again be offered to eligible DUI defendants in Clearfield County.
In addition, prosecutors announced they will not object to defendants withdrawing negotiated plea agreements for first-offense DUIs — provided the defendants have not yet been sentenced and would have been eligible for ARD. Those defendants may instead apply for admission into the ARD program.
