DUI/DWI offenders in Miami are often given the opportunity to take part in a drug and alcohol rehab center as opposed to receiving other punishment for their alcohol or drug related criminal offenses. Penalties for these types of criminal offenses can occasionally be very serious, and may include jail time and significant fines and other absorbitant costs to pay for being in the court system for and/or found guilty of DUI/DWI. Frequently, particularly for initial offenders, the judge may decide that addressing the concerns of alcohol and drug abuse in treatment is a better decision in the long term for curbing the problem. For DUI/DWI offenders in Miami that are fortunate enough to be allowed to take part in such treatment in lieu of other more serious penalties, many will remain out of the criminal justice system permanently.