Criminal justice client rehabs can be considered like a significantly better option than time in jail or heavy fines for individuals who have been convicted of any type of drug or alcohol related crime. As an example, someone who has been found guilty of driving drunk of drugs or alcohol may qualify for rehab services for problem rather than serving time in prison. The judge may even order that the individual receive rehabilitation, either alone or as well as other sentencing. First time offenders specifically tend to be given the opportunity to pick a criminal justice client rehab instead of other sentencing, and it is well-advised they take advantage of it if it is a possibility. The theory behind criminal justice client rehabs is that it is far more efficient and effective to invest time and effort into rehab than punishment. Much research has been done to observe how effective this process is on recidivism rates, i.e. if the criminal justice client returns or not to criminal justice system following rehabilitation. The signs and indicators seem quite positive, and criminal justice clients that experience rehab have a better chance of remaining out of the judicial system after rehabilitation.