A short follow-up to the post about Anthony Gonzalez. It was noted that he was applying for the accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) program. This is in conjunction with the prosecutors lowering the marijuana charge misdemeanor possession to conspiracy to possess.

Speaking with a friend who has more than a passing familiarity with the criminal legal system in Allegheny County, it is safe to assume that Gonzalez is nearly a shoe-in for getting ARD. Now that his charge is no longer a straight drug charge, it is more palatable for a prosecutor to recommend a first time offender for the ARD.

The likely result is that at the time of his next hearing, he can formally accept participating in the ARD program.

The program will entail drug/alcohol classes and community service — things he is already doing back at Pitt — along with a fine and a year of probation. Once completed — with the assumption of no further incidents — Gonzalez can petition to have his record expunged.

This does mean, that publicly, Gonzalez won’t actually be granted ARD until his hearing on September 1. That means Graham will be unlikely to reinstate Gonzalez to the team until after the hearing.

At which time, Graham can point out that Gonzalez has taken responsibility for his actions. Note that Gonzalez has taken drug/alcohol classes over the summer and performed community service on his own initiative. And note that the case has been permitted to reach a conclusion before any final decision was made.