Criminal justice client rehabs can be considered as a considerably better option than time in jail or heavy fines for individuals who have been convicted of any type of drug or alcohol related crime. By way of example, someone who has been in prison for driving drunk of alcohol or drugs may be eligible to obtain rehabilitation services because of their problem instead of serving time in prison. The judge could even order the individual receive treatment, either alone or along with other sentencing. First time offenders specifically are often given the opportunity go with a criminal justice client rehab instead of other sentencing, and it is well-advised that they take advantage of it if it is a choice. The idea behind criminal justice client rehabs is that it is far more efficient and effective to invest commitment into treatment than punishment. Much research has been done to observe how effective this method is on recidivism rates, i.e. if the individual returns or not to criminal justice system following treatment. All indicators appear to be quite positive, and criminal justice clients who do take part in treatment have a much better potential for remaining out of the judicial system following treatment.