Five first-time offenders in the criminal justice system were placed in Carbon County's Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition probation program this week by Judge Joseph J. Matika.

If a person successfully completes all conditions of the program, their record will be wiped clean. However, if they fail to complete it, or are revoked from it, then they will face trial on all pending charges. A person does not admit guilt in entering the program.All were placed for a year.Alecia Koons, 26, of Lansford, was placed on a charge of driving under the influence. She was arrested on May 10 along Route 209 by Summit Hill police. Given a test, the result was 0.18 BAC.She was assessed $550 for the cost of the program and ordered to get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment, license suspended for 60 days, and render 50 hours of community service.Joseph James Payonk, 30, of Dillon, Colorado, was placed on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested on June 23 along Estates Drive, Lake Harmony, by Kidder Township police.He was assessed $450 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service.Catherine M. Sherman, 33, of Palmerton, was placed on a charge of unsworn falsification to authorities. She was arrested on June 5 by Lansford police along Water Street.She was assessed $450 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service.Briana A. Stringent, 27, of Hazleton, was placed on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested on Dec. 9, 2013, along Broad Street by Beaver Meadows police following a traffic stop.She was assessed $650 and ordered to get a D&A evaluation, zero tolerance for D&A use, and render 50 hours of community service.Greg D. Vandermartin, 28, of Nesquehoning, was placed on a charge of possession of marijuana. He was arrested on March 11 along Berwick Street by Beaver Meadows police following a traffic stop.He was assessed $650 and ordered to get a D&A evaluation, zero tolerance for D&A use, and render 50 hours of community service.Each defendant must also pay court costs of about $1,000, and pay a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program.