DUI/DWI offenders in Helena are sometimes given the opportunity to take advantage of a drug rehabilitation program as opposed to receiving other consequences for their drug or alcohol related criminal offenses. Penalties for such crimes can occasionally be very harsh, including jail time and serious fines and other absorbitant costs to pay for being in the court system for and/or convicted of DUI/DWI. Many times, particularly for first time offenders, the criminal justice system may decide that addressing the problems of drug or alcohol abuse in treatment is a better decision in the long run for full handling the problem. For DUI/DWI offenders in Helena who are fortunate enough to be allowed to participate in such treatment in lieu of other more severe consequences, a great number will stay out of the court system permanently.