Criminal justice client rehabs can be considered being a significantly better option than time in jail or heavy fines for individuals who have already been convicted of any kind of drug or alcohol related crime. For example, someone who has been found guilty of driving drunk of alcohol or drugs may qualify to receive treatment services for his or her problem as an alternative to serving time in prison. The judge might even order that the individual receive rehabilitation, either alone or along with other sentencing. First-time offenders specifically are often given the opportunity choose a criminal justice client rehab as an alternative to other sentencing, and it is well-advised they reap the benefits of it if it is a choice. The concept behind criminal justice client rehabs is that it is much more efficient and effective to invest time and energy into treatment than punishment. Much research has been carried out to see how effective this process 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 who experience treatment have better potential for remaining out of the judicial system following treatment.