Criminal justice client rehabs are available as a far better option than jail time or significant fines for many who have already been convicted of any kind of alcohol or drug related crime. As an example, anyone who has been in prison for driving while impaired of alcohol or drugs may qualify to get rehabilitation services for their problem instead of serving time in prison. The judge might order the individual receive treatment, either alone or together with other sentencing. First time offenders in particular tend to be given the opportunity go with a criminal justice client rehab as an alternative to other sentencing, and it is highly recommended that they make the most of it when it is an alternative. The theory behind criminal justice client rehabs is it is far more effective and efficient to invest commitment into treatment than punishment. Much research has been carried out 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 experience treatment have better potential for remaining out of the judicial system after rehab.