DUI/DWI offenders in Columbus are sometimes given the opportunity to take part in an alcohol and drug rehabilitation program instead of penalties for their alcohol or drug related crimes. The consequences for these types of criminal offenses can occasionally be quite extreme, which can include incarceration and substantial fines and other significant costs associated with being in the court system for and/or found guilty of DUI/DWI. Often, particularly for first time offenders, the criminal justice system will decide that addressing the issues of alcohol and drug abuse in drug or alcohol rehab is will prove more effective in the long run for curbing the issue. For DUI/DWI offenders in Columbus that are fortunate enough to be allowed to participate in this rehab process instead of other more extreme consequences, most will stay out of the criminal justice system for good.