DUI/DWI offenders in Aspen are sometimes given the opportunity to participate in a drug rehab facility as opposed to receiving other penalties for their alcohol or drug related crimes. Penalties for such criminal offenses can often be rather harsh, including jail time and substantial fines and other significant costs associated with being in the court system for and/or convicted of DUI/DWI. Many times, particularly for first time offenders, the judge will decide that addressing the concerns of alcohol and drug addiction in treatment is will prove more effective in the long term for full handling the problem. For DUI/DWI offenders in Aspen who are lucky enough to be allowed to participate in this rehab process in lieu of other more serious punishment, many will remain away from the court system permanently.