Regrettably, it's true that millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing this not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also jail time. In many cases anyone 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 drug and alcohol rehabilitation rather than other severe consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.