Five first time offenders in the criminal justice system were placed in Carbon County's Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition (ARD) probation program on Tuesday 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 the program or are revoked from it the commonwealth reserves the right to prosecute them on all pending charges. A person does not admit guilt in entering the program.Those placed included:Ryan K. Altenbach, 22, of Coaldale, was placed for six months on a charge of possession of marijuana. He was arrested on Feb. 13 in the 500 block of E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning.He was ordered to pay $350 for the cost of the program and render three hours of community service per month while in the program.Russell Daniel Burger, 33, of Weatherly, was placed for a year on a charge of driving under the influence (DUI). He was arrested on Oct. 29, 2010, along Spring Mountain Road in Banks Township by state police at Hazleton after being involved in an accident. Given a test, the result was .05BAC.He was ordered to pay $450 for the program, get a drug and alcohol (D&A) evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment, and his license was suspended for 90 days.Israel Perez-Gonzalez, 20, of Albrightsville, was placed for two years on a charge of unlawful restraint. He was arrested on Feb. 12 at his residence following a domestic dispute with his wife, Jessica Riquime, the listed victim.He was ordered to pay $350 for the program, get a mental health evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment, continue to take his prescribed medication and render 15 hours of community service.Brandon David Ryn, 22, of Hazleton, was placed for six months on a charge of simple assault. He was arrested on Aug. 21, 2010, in the area of 16B Carbon St., Weatherly, with Crystal Fehnet the listed victim.He was ordered to pay $350 for the program and render 15 hours of community service.Carissa L. Sandefer, 19, of Lansford, was placed for a year on a DUI charge. She was arrested on Dec. 6, 2010, along SR54 in Nesquehoning. Given a test, the result was .13BAC.She was ordered to pay $450 for the program, get a D&A evaluation and her license was suspended for 90 days.Each defendant must also pay court costs and a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program.