DUI/DWI offenders in Hammond are often given the opportunity to take advantage of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program in lieu of penalties for their alcohol or drug related crimes. The punishment for these kinds of crimes can occasionally be rather extreme, and may include incarceration and substantial fines and various significant costs to pay for being prosecuted and/or convicted of DUI/DWI. Often, specifically for initial offenders, the court will decide that addressing the problems of drug or alcohol abuse in drug or alcohol rehab is a better decision in the long term for curbing the issue. For DUI/DWI offenders in Hammond that are fortunate enough to be allowed to participate in such treatment in lieu of other additional serious penalties, many will remain out of the criminal justice system for good.