Seven first-time offenders were placed in Carbon County's Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition probation program on Thursday by Judge Steven R. Serfass.

If a person successfully completes all conditions of the program their record is wiped clean. However, if they fail to complete it, or are revoked from it, then they would face trial on all pending charges. A person does not admit guilt in entering the program.All were placed for a year, unless otherwise noted.Shawn Neil Abendschein, 40, of Trevose, Bucks County, was placed on a driving under the influence charge. He was arrested on Aug. 16, 2014, along Spencer Lane, Towamensing Trails, Penn Forest Township, by state police at Lehighton. A test showed 0.17 BAC.He was assessed $550 for the cost of the program and ordered to render 50 hours of community service and license suspended for 60 days.James John Belletiere Jr., 20, of Drums, Luzerne County, and formerly of Lehighton, was placed for two years on various drug charges. He was arrested on Oct. 17, 2014, by Lehighton police in the area of 125 S. First St. Heroin was the drug found.He was assessed $650 and ordered to render 100 hours of community service, continue drug counseling, and zero tolerance on D&A use.Ashley Minique Bowden, 25, of Jim Thorpe, was placed for six months on a charge of possession of marijuana. She was arrested on Sept. 29, 2014, by Mahoning Township police in the area of 300 Mauch Chunk St. following a traffic stop.She was assessed $450 and ordered to get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment, and render 25 hours of community service.David K. Brown Jr., 45, of Nesquehoning, was placed on a DUI charge. He was arrested on July 17, 2014, along Fifth Street by Jim Thorpe police. A test showed 0.21 BAC.He was assessed $550 and his license was suspended for 60 days. No community service was imposed due to a health problem.Amber Lynn Kascsak, 21, of Blakeslee, was placed on a charge of possession of marijuana. She was arrested on Nov. 18, 2014, at Bridge and Union streets by Lehighton police.She was assessed $450 and ordered to get a D&A evaluation and render 50 hours of community service.Peter Balch Sickley Jr., 47, of Albrightsville, was placed on a charge of DUI. He was arrested on Aug. 19, 2014, along Stoney Mountain Road in Penn Forest Township by state police at Fern Ridge. A test showed 0.30 BAC.He was assessed $550 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service and license suspended for 60 days.Nicholas Ryan Sickonic, 21, of Palmerton, was placed on a charge of possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine. He was arrested on Oct. 27, 2014, by Palmerton police along Lehigh Avenue.He was assessed $450 and ordered to get a D&A evaluation and render 50 hours of community service.Each defendant must also pay court costs of about $1,000 and a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program.