Unfortunately, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others in danger also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also prison time. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other serious penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other penalties from the crime, but sometimes decrease the degree of such penalties to some great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of those who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges later on.