DUI/DWI offenders in Boone are sometimes given the opportunity to take advantage of an alcohol and drug treatment program as opposed to receiving other penalties for their alcohol or drug related crimes. The consequences for such criminal offenses can occasionally be rather harsh, and may include being locked up in jail and serious fines and even absorbitant costs associated with being prosecuted and/or convicted of DUI/DWI. Frequently, particularly for new offenders, the court may decide that addressing the issues of drug or alcohol abuse in treatment is a better decision in the long run for curbing the issue. For DUI/DWI offenders in Boone who are lucky enough to be permitted to participate in such treatment in lieu of other more serious penalties, most will stay out of the criminal justice system for good.