DUI/DWI offenders in Republic are often given the option to take part in a drug and alcohol treatment center instead of punishment for their drug or alcohol related criminal offenses. The punishment for these kinds of crimes can often be very harsh, and may include incarceration and significant fines and even significant costs to pay for being prosecuted and/or convicted of DUI/DWI. Frequently, specifically for new offenders, the judge may decide that addressing the issues of drug or alcohol addiction in treatment is will prove more effective in the long term for effectively addressing the problem. For DUI/DWI offenders in Republic who are lucky enough to be permitted to participate in this rehab process in lieu of other far more extreme punishment, most will stay away from the criminal justice system permanently.