Regrettably, the simple truth is that millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing so not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases jail time. Quite often somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment instead of other serious penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but could decrease the severity of such consequences to some great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of people who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges in the future.