Criminal justice client rehabs are available as a far better option than prison time or significant fines for those who have already been convicted of any sort of alcohol or drug related crime. For example, anyone who has been in prison for driving drunk of alcohol or drugs may be eligible for rehab services for his or her problem instead of serving time in jail. The judge could even order that the individual receive rehabilitation, either alone or along with other consequences. Very first time offenders specifically will often be given the opportunity pick a criminal justice client rehab as an alternative to other sentencing, and it is highly recommended they take advantage of it if it is a choice. The theory behind criminal justice client rehabs is it is far more effective and efficient to invest time and energy into treatment than punishment. Much research has been carried out to find out how effective this method is on recidivism rates, i.e. if the criminal justice client returns or not to criminal justice system following treatment. All indicators seem quite positive, and criminal justice clients who experience treatment have a much better potential for remaining out of the system after treatment.