Criminal justice client rehabs can be considered as a significantly better option than time in jail or heavy fines for those who have been convicted of any kind of drug or alcohol related crime. By way of example, somebody who has been in prison for driving drunk of alcohol or drugs may be eligible to obtain rehab services for problem instead of serving time in jail. The judge may even order that the individual receive rehab, either alone or in addition to other sentencing. First time offenders in particular are often given the chance to go with a criminal justice client rehab instead of other sentencing, and it is well-advised that they make the most of it when it is an option. The theory behind criminal justice client rehabs is it is far more effective and efficient to invest time and effort into rehabilitation than punishment. Much research has been completed to find out how effective this process is on recidivism rates, i.e. if the individual returns or not to criminal justice system following rehabilitation. All indicators seem quite positive, and criminal justice clients that take part in rehab have better chance of remaining out of the system after treatment.