DUI/DWI offenders in Halifax are sometimes given the chance to take part in a drug and alcohol treatment program as opposed to receiving other consequences for their alcohol or drug related crimes. The punishment for these kinds of criminal offenses can ordinarily be quite severe, and may include being locked up in jail and significant fines and even absorbitant costs to pay for being prosecuted and/or found guilty of DUI/DWI. Many times, especially for first time offenders, the judge will decide that addressing the concerns of alcohol and drug abuse in drug or alcohol rehab is a better decision in the long term for full handling the issue. For DUI/DWI offenders in Halifax that are fortunate enough to be able to participate in this rehab process instead of other additional severe punishment, many will remain out of the court system permanently.