DUI/DWI offenders in Emerson are occasionally given the opportunity to take advantage of an alcohol and drug rehabilitation program in lieu of consequences for their alcohol or drug related offenses. Penalties for these kinds of criminal offenses can often be quite severe, including incarceration and substantial fines and various significant costs associated with being in court for and/or convicted of DUI/DWI. More often than not, particularly for first time offenders, the judge finds that addressing the problems of drug or alcohol abuse in drug or alcohol rehab is a better decision in the long run for effectively addressing the problem. For DUI/DWI offenders in Emerson that are lucky enough to be able to take part in such treatment instead of other additional severe consequences, many will stay out of the criminal justice system for good.