ARD
- ARD Colloquy
- ARD Application
- The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) Program provides first-time or low-risk offenders with an opportunity to complete court-ordered rehabilitation in lieu of a criminal trial. The program emphasizes rehabilitation, community service, and accountability, while allowing charges to be dismissed upon successful completion. Defendants who complete ARD may later seek expungement of the offense from their record.
- Participation requires legal representation, a waiver of formal arraignment, fingerprinting, and payment of program costs, which typically range from approximately $1,700 for non-DUI cases to $1,900 for DUI cases. Conditions of the program may include probation, community service, restitution, alcohol or drug evaluations, and completion of required classes. Probationary periods generally last six months to two years, with compliance monitored throughout.
- Eligibility and acceptance into ARD are determined on a case-by-case basis by the District Attorney. Certain offenses, including violent crimes, sexual offenses, major thefts, firearm-related offenses, and prior serious convictions, will typically make a defendant ineligible. DUI-specific criteria also apply for alcohol-related offenses. All applications are reviewed individually, and final admission is at the sole discretion of the District Attorney.
- To apply, defendants must submit the ARD Application, Waiver of Arraignment/Entry of Appearance Form, and ARD Rule 600 Waiver Form at least 14 days before the scheduled formal arraignment to the Office of the Court Administrator in Delaware County. Please send these documents to Michael Hill, Deputy District Attorney hillm@co.delaware.pa.us
LETI
- The Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI), introduced by District Attorney Stollsteimer in collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office, connects Delaware County law enforcement with resources to help individuals struggling with substance use. The program aims to enhance public safety, reduce recidivism, and support recovery by diverting eligible individuals away from incarceration and into timely, evidence-based treatment and counseling.
- LETI promotes collaboration between law enforcement, treatment providers, healthcare professionals, social services, and community organizations to ensure a seamless continuum of care. The program also raises awareness within the law enforcement community about addiction as a disease and the benefits of diversion programs. By focusing on treatment rather than punishment, LETI helps individuals recover, reduces repeat offenses, and improves public safety and community well-being.
- For more information, contact MVP Recovery at 855-MVP-2410.
Drug Treatment
- Treatment Court Application
- The Delaware County Drug Treatment Court is a voluntary 30-month program for non-violent offenders with substance use or co-occurring disorders. Participants receive intensive supervision, treatment, vocational support, and relapse prevention instead of jail. Early graduation may be granted at 24 months for participants who meet all program requirements and remain drug-free.
- The court has two tracks based on offense level. Track I is for lower-level offenders who enter with a nolo contendere plea held in abeyance, while Track II is for higher-level offenders who enter a negotiated guilty plea and serve intermediate county punishment. Failure to complete the program results in sentencing on the original charges.
- Applicants must be Delaware County residents, have pending non-violent charges or probation violations, and be willing to comply with strict supervision. A biopsychosocial evaluation is required, and certain offenses—including violent crimes, serious DUI or drug charges, and sexually based offenses—disqualify applicants.
- To apply, candidates submit the program application and a copy of the criminal complaint to the District Attorney’s Office. Accepted applicants complete an evaluation and attend an admission hearing before the Treatment Court Judge.
- Please submit applications to Sean McNabb Assistant District Attorney mcnabbs@co.delaware.pa.us
Mental Health Court
- The Mental Health Court Program is available to residents of Delaware County who are 18 or older and have a serious mental illness (SMI) diagnosis, such as schizophrenia, major mood disorder, psychoses NOS, or borderline personality disorder, that contributed to their criminal behavior. Individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders may also be evaluated if they meet the criteria for serious mental illness. The court generally focuses on non-violent offenses, but other cases are considered on an individual basis.
- Certain offenses typically make a participant ineligible for the program, including felony sex offenses, felony crimes of violence (including those committed with a firearm), and felony drug offenses. Participants are also ineligible if they have any unresolved out-of-county charges, which must be addressed by their counsel. Murder and manslaughter are never eligible for the program.
Veterans Treatment Court
- Veterans Court Manual
- Veterans Treatment Court is a specialized court for defendants who have served in a branch of the military. The program supports veterans with mental health and substance use issues while holding them accountable in a structured, non-adversarial setting.
- Veterans with co-occurring disorders may be evaluated for participation, though some may be more appropriately referred to Drug Treatment Court or Mental Health Treatment Court. The court generally focuses on non-violent offenses, but other cases may be considered on an individual basis.
- Certain offenses typically make a defendant ineligible. These include felony sex offenses, felony crimes of violence, and any unresolved out-of-county charges. Murder and manslaughter are never eligible. Each case is reviewed individually, and it is the responsibility of the defendant’s counsel to resolve any pending out-of-county charges.
- Please send these documents to Michael Hill, Deputy District Attorney hillm@co.delaware.pa.us
Young Offenders
- Young Offenders Colloquy
- Young Offenders Application
- The Young Offender Program is an 18-month voluntary program for low-risk, first-time young adults charged with felony marijuana offenses. It provides an opportunity to avoid a felony conviction while under court supervision. Successful completion results in dismissal of the case and eligibility for expungement, while failure to complete the program leads to prosecution and sentencing on the original charges.
- Participants must reside in Delaware County, maintain employment or education, complete community service, attend a Marijuana Therapeutic Education Program, remain drug- and alcohol-free, and comply with all court requirements throughout the 18 months.
- Please submit applications to Sean McNabb Assistant District Attorney mcnabbs@co.delaware.pa.us
Misdemeanor Diversion
- The Delaware County Misdemeanor Diversion Program (DCMD) provides an alternative to traditional prosecution for low-level, non-violent misdemeanor offenses. The program is restorative, balanced, and cost-effective, requiring participants to perform community service and pay court costs while suspending prosecution. Successful completion results in dismissal of the criminal charges. Failure to comply with program terms will result in prosecution for the original offense.
- All DCMD participants are fingerprinted and must waive their preliminary hearing. A DCMD participation form is signed prior to leaving District Court. Participants are required to complete a set number of community service hours, typically eight, at an approved non-profit organization. In certain cases, additional requirements such as anger management may be assigned.
- No plea is entered during the program. Once participants have paid court costs, completed community service, and satisfied any additional requirements, they submit proof to the District Attorney’s representative at least one week before the scheduled formal arraignment. Upon verification, the Commonwealth withdraws prosecution, and participants are not required to appear in court. If a participant fails to comply with program terms or is arrested on new charges before completing the program, they are terminated from DCMD. In such cases, the original charges proceed to the Court of Common Pleas for trial-level disposition.
Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County
Legal advocacy, counseling, shelter and other assistance
Hotline: 610-565-4590
Office: 610-565-6272
https://dapdc.org/
YAP
- The Youth Aid Panel Program (YAP) is a diversion program for juveniles ages 10–17 who have committed certain low-level, non-violent offenses. The program provides a second chance, helping participants avoid the juvenile justice system. Successful completion means the juvenile will not have a record of the offense or need to appear in court, and the offense generally does not need to be disclosed on college or employment background checks.
For more information please visit specialty courts.
