Criminal justice client rehabs can be considered as being a significantly better option than jail time or heavy fines for those who have already been convicted of any kind of alcohol or drug related crime. As an example, someone who has been found guilty of driving drunk of drugs or alcohol may qualify to obtain 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 in addition to other consequences. New offenders specifically are often given the ability to choose a criminal justice client rehab rather than other sentencing, and it is well-advised they make the most of it if it's an option. The theory behind criminal justice client rehabs is that it is way more efficient and effective to invest time and energy into rehab than punishment. Much research has been carried out to see how effective this approach is on recidivism rates, i.e. if the individual returns or not to criminal justice system following rehab. The signs and indicators appear to be quite positive, and criminal justice clients that take part in rehabilitation have a much better chance of remaining out of the judicial system after rehabilitation.