Unfortunately, it is a fact that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as jail time. Often times somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation rather than other severe penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of people who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges later on.