DUI/DWI offenders in Townsend are sometimes given the opportunity to participate in a drug and alcohol rehab program instead of penalties for their alcohol or drug related criminal offenses. The punishment for these kinds of offenses can often be quite extreme, including being locked up in jail and substantial fines and even absorbitant costs associated with being prosecuted and/or found guilty of DUI/DWI. Frequently, particularly for initial offenders, the criminal justice system may decide that addressing the issues of drug or alcohol abuse in drug rehab is will prove more effective in the long term for curbing the problem. For DUI/DWI offenders in Townsend that are lucky enough to be allowed to participate in this rehab process instead of other more extreme penalties, a great number will stay out of the criminal justice system permanently.