DUI/DWI offenders in Austin are sometimes given the chance to take advantage of an alcohol and drug treatment facility as opposed to receiving other punishment for their alcohol or drug related offenses. Penalties for such crimes can ordinarily be rather extreme, including being locked up in jail and serious fines and other significant costs associated with being in the court system for and/or found guilty of DUI/DWI. Often, specifically for first time offenders, the judge finds that addressing the issues of drug or alcohol abuse in drug or alcohol rehab is will prove more effective in the long run for curbing the issue. For DUI/DWI offenders in Austin that are lucky enough to be allowed to take part in such treatment instead of other more extreme consequences, most will remain away from the court system for good.