Criminal justice client rehabs are available as a considerably better option than prison time or heavy fines for many who have been convicted of any sort of drug or alcohol related crime. For example, anyone who has been in prison for driving drunk of drugs or alcohol may be eligible to receive rehab services because of their problem as an alternative to serving time in jail. The judge may even order that the individual receive rehabilitation, either alone or together with other sentencing. First-time offenders specifically tend to be given the opportunity to choose a criminal justice client rehab instead of other sentencing, and it is well-advised they make the most of it if it's a choice. The concept behind criminal justice client rehabs is it is way more efficient and effective to invest commitment into treatment than punishment. Much research has been completed to find out how effective this strategy is on recidivism rates, i.e. if the individual returns or not to criminal justice system following treatment. The signs and indicators appear to be quite positive, and criminal justice clients that do take part in treatment have a much better chance of remaining out of the judicial system after treatment.