Three first time offenders in criminal cases were placed in Carbon County's Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition (ARD) probation program last week.

If a person successfully completes all conditions of the program their record is wiped clean. However, if they fail and are revoked from the program the commonwealth reserves the right to prosecute them on all charges. A person does not admit guilt in entering the program.Those placed included:Thomas Jankowski, 41, of Pocono Lake, was placed for a year on a charge of driving under the influence (DUI). He was arrested on June 26 along the Stanley Hoffman Blvd., in Lehighton. Given a test, the result was .25BAC.He was ordered to pay $450 and costs, get a drug and alcohol (D&A) evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment and his license was suspended for 60 days.Ivan Alan George, 30, of Palmerton, was placed for a year on a DUI charge. He was arrested on July 25 along Delaware Avenue in Palmerton. Given a test, the result was .20BAC.He was ordered to get a D&A evaluation, pay $450 and costs, license suspended for 60 days and render three hours of community service per month while in the program.Vincent Jason Kasarda, 26, of Tresckow, was placed for a year on a DUI charge. He was arrested on April 10 along SR4004 in Tresckow, Banks Township. Given a test, the result was .30BAC.He was ordered to pay $450 and costs, get a D&A evaluation, and license suspended for 60 days.Each defendant must also pay a $50 per month supervision fee.