DUI/DWI offenders in Big Bear Lake are sometimes given the opportunity to take part in an alcohol and drug treatment program as opposed to receiving other consequences for their drug or alcohol related crimes. Penalties for such offenses can often be very extreme, and may include incarceration and significant fines and various absorbitant costs to pay for being prosecuted and/or found guilty of DUI/DWI. Often, specifically for initial offenders, the judge will decide that addressing the issues of drug or alcohol addiction in treatment is going to be more effective in the long term for curbing the issue. For DUI/DWI offenders in Big Bear Lake that are lucky enough to be allowed to participate in this rehab process in lieu of other additional extreme penalties, many will remain away from the court system for good.