Summary Offense

[snappertrapper]

I'm sure this is a reoccuring question but I had a summary criminal mischief charge when I was 18 that got ARD. How big a hinderance is this going to be to me pertaining to getting into corrections or LE? I've heard not a huge deal but it's still a small blemish. Thanks

[mcsap]

ADMIT to it and be done with it.

It is not a huge deal. Hopefully you can demonstrate that you have not only ceased that kind of activity but you can demonstrate what you have done to contribute to your community since.

[greg72982]

ARD is for misdemeanors, fines are for summaries.

[snappertrapper]

I'm interning at my counties Probation office and I was talking to the one PO about ARD and he said they give it out way too much; he's even seen it given for a felony conviction once

[greg72982]

I was actually wrong, apparently they do give it out for summaries, just not in any county I've worked in. It appears to be a county by county thing. My apology.

That said I wouldn't want to take ARD for a summary. If down the line you get arrested for a misdemeanor you are screwed. I'd rather pay the fine.

[snappertrapper]

I understand what ya mean but I don't plan on ever having another brush with the law, no matter how big or small.

I'm in Mifflin County btw