DUI/DWI offenders in Berlin are occasionally given the chance to participate in an alcohol and drug rehab program as opposed to receiving other punishment for their alcohol or drug related crimes. Penalties for these types of crimes can often be quite harsh, and may include jail time and substantial fines and even absorbitant costs associated with being in the court system for and/or convicted of DUI/DWI. Often, specifically for new offenders, the judge may decide that treating the issues of alcohol and drug addiction in drug rehab is a better decision in the long term for curbing the issue. For DUI/DWI offenders in Berlin who are fortunate enough to be able to participate in such treatment in lieu of other additional extreme punishment, a great number will stay away from the criminal justice system permanently.