Criminal justice client rehabs are available as a considerably better option than prison time or significant fines for many who have already been convicted of any kind of drug or alcohol related crime. As an example, somebody who has been in prison for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may qualify for rehab services for their problem rather than serving time in prison. The judge might order the individual receive rehabilitation, either alone or along with other consequences. First time offenders specifically tend to be given the opportunity to choose a criminal justice client rehab rather than other sentencing, and it is well-advised they make the most of it when it is an option. The idea behind criminal justice client rehabs is that it is much more effective and efficient to invest time and effort into treatment than punishment. Much research has been completed to discover how effective this method is on recidivism rates, i.e. if the criminal justice client 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 better potential for remaining out of the judicial system after rehab.