DUI/DWI offenders in South Beach are occasionally given the opportunity to take advantage of an alcohol and drug rehabilitation center in lieu of punishment for their alcohol or drug related offenses. Penalties for such criminal offenses can often be very harsh, including being locked up in jail and significant fines and other absorbitant costs associated with being in the court system for and/or convicted of DUI/DWI. More often than not, particularly for initial offenders, the court may decide that addressing the problems of alcohol and drug abuse in drug or alcohol rehab is going to be more effective in the long term for full handling the problem. For DUI/DWI offenders in South Beach who are fortunate enough to be allowed to participate in such treatment in lieu of other far more serious punishment, a great number will stay away from the criminal justice system permanently.