DUI/DWI offenders in Mears are occasionally given the option to participate in a drug and alcohol treatment center in lieu of penalties for their alcohol or drug related offenses. The punishment for such criminal offenses can occasionally be rather harsh, including being locked up in jail and substantial fines and even absorbitant costs associated with being prosecuted and/or found guilty of DUI/DWI. Frequently, particularly for new offenders, the judge finds that treating the issues of alcohol and drug addiction in drug rehab is a better decision in the long term for curbing the problem. For DUI/DWI offenders in Mears that are lucky enough to be able to participate in this rehab process instead of other more serious consequences, most will stay out of the criminal justice system permanently.