Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing this not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases time in jail. Sometimes someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation instead of other extreme penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but can decrease the degree of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of folks who do receive alcohol and drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.