Blog

Drug Diversion Programs in PA: Your Second Chance Starts Here

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Jun 10, 2025 | 0 Comments

Let's say you got caught with a small amount of drugs in Pennsylvania—maybe pot, pills, or something heavier. You're not a hardened criminal; you just made a mistake. Now what? Do you have to live with that charge forever? Not necessarily. Pennsylvania has several drug diversion programs that can expunge the charges and keep your record clean.

At the LLF Law Firm, we handle all types of criminal cases, including drug cases. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team knows the system and can help resolve your situation without wrecking your life. Contact us here or at 888.535.3686 for help with your situation.

And remember, if you are questioned about any type of crime, do not say anything, not even to claim your innocence. Request an attorney right away.

ARD: Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition

The ARD program offers pre-trial relief for first-time offenders with minor drug charges. You don't have to plead guilty or face a trial. Complete the required drug tests, counseling, and community service within a year, and the court will dismiss the case and clear your record. But getting in isn't automatic—an attorney can help you meet the qualifications and secure acceptance.

Section 17 Probation: Plead Guilty, then Work to Get the Plea Tossed

Section 17 Probation is for first-time drug offenders charged with simple possession. Unlike ARD, Section 17 requires you to plead guilty. But the court withholds entering that judgment. If you successfully complete probation, the plea gets tossed, and the charge can be dismissed. Mess up, and that guilty plea comes back to bite you.

Drug Court: Break the Addiction

If you're facing felony charges for drug possession with intent to deliver (PWID), drug court could help you turn things around. It's a different ballgame from Section 17 and other diversion programs. It's not just about avoiding jail time—it's about getting real treatment and support to break the cycle.

Expect intense supervision, regular check-ins, drug testing, and mandatory treatment. It's a long haul—at least 12 months—so you've got to be all in. The goal is to help you turn your life around. Complete the program successfully, and the charges can be expunged, giving you a true clean slate.

The LLF Law Firm Will Defend Your Freedom

Drug diversion programs are not automatic—an attorney with experience can help you navigate the system and increase your chances of acceptance. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team will fight for your future. Call us at 888.535.3686or contact us here.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Comments have been disabled.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

Menu