DUI/DWI offenders in Alexandria are occasionally given the option to take part in a drug treatment program instead of penalties for their drug or alcohol related crimes. The consequences for these types of criminal offenses can often be rather severe, which can include jail time and significant fines and other absorbitant costs associated with being in court for and/or convicted of DUI/DWI. Often, particularly for initial offenders, the judge finds that addressing the issues of alcohol and drug abuse in drug rehab is a better decision in the long term for curbing the problem. For DUI/DWI offenders in Alexandria that are fortunate enough to be allowed to participate in such treatment in lieu of other more severe penalties, a great number will remain out of the court system permanently.