DUI/DWI offenders in Somerville are often given the option to take advantage of an alcohol and drug treatment program in lieu of penalties for their alcohol or drug related criminal offenses. The consequences for these types of criminal offenses can ordinarily be very serious, and may include incarceration and substantial fines and other significant costs associated with being in court for and/or convicted of DUI/DWI. Often, specifically for first time offenders, the criminal justice system finds that addressing the concerns of drug or alcohol abuse in drug rehab is will prove more effective in the long term for full handling the problem. For DUI/DWI offenders in Somerville that are lucky enough to be permitted to participate in this rehab process instead of other additional serious penalties, many will remain out of the court system permanently.