Sadly, it's true that millions of people choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk also, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases prison time. Quite often somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other severe consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other penalties of the crime, but can decrease the degree of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates alcohol and drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges later on.