DUI/DWI offenders in St. Joseph, Louisiana are sometimes given the chance to participate in an alcohol and drug treatment center instead of punishment for their drug or alcohol related criminal offenses. Penalties for these types of crimes can often be rather extreme, and may include incarceration and substantial fines and other absorbitant costs to pay for being prosecuted and/or convicted of DUI/DWI. Frequently, specifically for new offenders, the judge may decide that treating the problems of alcohol and drug addiction in treatment is will prove more effective in the long run for curbing the issue. For DUI/DWI offenders in St. Joseph, Louisiana who are lucky enough to be permitted to participate in such treatment instead of other more severe penalties, many will remain away from the court system for good.