Connecticut Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Second Chance When You Need It Most
I tell clients this all the time — the Accelerated Rehabilitation Program, or “AR,” is one of the best opportunities our system gives people who made a mistake to get their case dismissed without having to go to trial. It’s a way to walk out of court without a conviction, clear your record, and move forward with your life.
If you qualify and handle it right, the case disappears — no criminal record, no conviction, no future employer ever knowing it happened. That’s huge.
Who Qualifies
To get into the AR Program under C.G.S. § 54-56e, you must have no prior criminal convictions — ever.
That means no guilty findings, no pleas, no old misdemeanor sitting in your background.
A past arrest won’t automatically disqualify you, and even a prior AR from long ago might not stop you — the law lets you apply again after ten years if the first one was completed successfully and the court finds good cause to give you another shot.
You can use AR for most misdemeanors, Class D or E felonies, and in rare cases, even a Class C felony if the judge believes the situation warrants it. The key is demonstrating to the court that you’re unlikely to reoffend and that granting you this break serves the public interest because the crime is not too severe.
You can’t use AR for:
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Serious violent or sexual felonies
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Crimes causing death or serious physical injury
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Any domestic-violence case (those go through FVEP instead)
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DUI
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Offenses that the legislature specifically excluded
Typical charges that qualify:
Disorderly Conduct (§ 53a-182) · Breach of Peace (§ 53a-181) · Larceny or Shoplifting (§ 53a-119 et seq.) · Criminal Mischief (§ 53a-115 – 117a) · Threatening or Harassment (§ 53a-62, 53a-183) · Trespass (§ 53a-107 – 109) · Minor Drug Possession (§ 21a-279)
Domestic-Violence Cases → Use FVEP
If your case is labeled as family violence, AR is off the table.
Those defendants must apply for the Family Violence Education Program (FVEP) instead — it works similarly: you complete counseling, and the case gets dismissed and erased if you stay out of trouble.
How the Accelerated Rehabilitation Process Works
Most people walk into a court hearing about the Accelerated Rehabilitation Program and think it’s automatic — it’s not. You must apply for it, and the judge has complete discretion to approve or deny your application. The process usually unfolds over several steps, and how you handle them can make all the difference.
Step 1: Filing the Application
We formally apply for AR in court, often at your first or second appearance. The judge will then “continue” your case for a few weeks while the court and probation department conduct a background check to verify your criminal history and eligibility. During that time, we will also speak with the prosecutor to seek their support and send a notice to any victims of the offense who have not had an opportunity to object to your application. From that moment on, your file is sealed from public view. That means it’s not accessible through judicial websites, employer background checks, or news outlets.
Step 2: The Eligibility Hearing
When you return to court, the judge holds a short hearing to decide whether to grant the program. We will prepare a mitigation package and make a presentation showing why you deserve a second chance — explaining your background, career, community involvement, and why this incident was out of character. Sometimes we present letters of support or proof of counseling to show rehabilitation has already begun.
The court must find that your crime was “not too serious” and that you are unlikely to offend again in the future. You only get one shot at this, so that is why we take each AR argument very seriously.
If the judge agrees, you’re “granted” AR and referred to the office of adult probation for supervised probation. This usually means just stay out of trouble and don’t get any new arrests.
Step 3: Terms and Conditions of AR
Once you are granted the program, the court will assign a new hearing date, usually six months to two years, which is your program completion date. The judge may also set specific conditions tailored to your situation. These might include:
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Remaining arrest-free
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Completing community service hours
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Attending counseling or treatment
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Paying program fees and court costs
Step 4: Supervision and Compliance
During the program period, you’ll have minimal contact with the court unless a problem arises. Most clients simply live their lives and focus on staying out of trouble. If you fail to follow a condition, the court can reopen the case and revoke the program — but as long as you remain compliant, your attorney will continue to monitor your file and make sure it stays on track for dismissal.
Step 5: Dismissal and Erasure
Once you’ve successfully completed the AR period, we can request final dismissal. The judge will sign an order dismissing the charges and erasing your record by operation of law under Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a. At that point, the matter is legally treated as if it never happened. You can truthfully say you’ve never been arrested or convicted for that offense.
What Happens If You Mess Up
If you get arrested again or violate the program, the program can be terminated. The case reopens, and you’re right back where you started — facing the original charge. That’s why follow-through and good documentation matter.
Why You Need a Lawyer Who Knows the System
On paper, AR looks simple. In real life, it’s all about presentation and persuasion.
Judges deny AR applications every day because defendants come in unprepared or say the wrong thing.
A good defense lawyer will:
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Make sure you’re eligible before filing
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Present letters, proof of counseling, and background materials that show you’ve learned from the experience and present a strong argument in favor of approval of your application.
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Work with the prosecutor to avoid objections
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Track the case so the dismissal goes through cleanly
I’ve handled hundreds of AR applications. The ones that succeed are those that are packaged both professionally and personally.
Where AR Fits Into Your Strategy
AR is ideal for clients seeking closure and a clean record, as it avoids the lengthy process of a trial.
It works especially well for cases involving shoplifting, breach of peace, threats, or property damage, particularly when emotions run high but no one was seriously hurt.
Handled right, AR turns a nightmare into a fresh start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the AR Program more than once?
Usually, no — but after ten years, you can reapply if you successfully completed it before and the court finds good cause.
Are domestic-violence cases eligible for AR?
No. Those must go through the Family Violence Education Program (FVEP) instead.
Does the victim have to agree?
The victim can speak at the hearing, but the judge makes the final call.
Will my employer find out?
While the case is pending, it’s public. Once AR is completed and dismissed, it’s erased from public view.
Is AR the same as probation?
No. It’s pre-trial probation — no conviction, and once you finish, your record is clean.
Bottom Line
The AR Program isn’t just a technical loophole — it’s the state’s way of saying one mistake shouldn’t ruin your life.
Handled properly, it wipes your slate clean and lets you move on for good.
Handled poorly, you might lose a chance you can’t get back for another decade.
If you’ve been arrested and want to know whether AR can save your case, call me. We’ll go through the details together.
Call Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Connecticut and want to see if you qualify for the Accelerated Rehabilitation Program, call Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer, at (203) 357-5555 for a confidential consultation.
You can also visit my contact page to schedule your case review today.
