Criminal justice client rehabs are available being a considerably better option than time in jail or significant fines for many who have been convicted of any type of alcohol or drug related crime. For example, a person who has been in prison for driving while impaired of drugs or alcohol may qualify to get rehabilitation services for problem rather than serving time in prison. The judge may even order that the individual receive rehab, either alone or as well as other consequences. First time offenders specifically in many cases are given the ability to go with a criminal justice client rehab as opposed to other sentencing, and it is well-advised that they make the most of it if it's a possibility. The theory behind criminal justice client rehabs is it is much more efficient and effective to invest effort and time into treatment than punishment. Much research has been done to see how effective this method is on recidivism rates, i.e. if the individual returns or not to criminal justice system following treatment. The signs and indicators seem to be quite positive, and criminal justice clients that take part in rehabilitation have a better chance of remaining out of the system following rehab.