Sadly, the simple truth is that millions of people choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others in danger too, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Sometimes a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment rather than other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges later on.