DUI/DWI offenders in Athens are often given the chance to participate in an alcohol and drug treatment center instead of penalties for their alcohol or drug related offenses. The punishment for these types of criminal offenses can ordinarily be very serious, which can include jail time and substantial fines and other absorbitant costs to pay for being in court for and/or found guilty of DUI/DWI. Often, particularly for new offenders, the criminal justice system finds that addressing the concerns of drug or alcohol addiction in drug or alcohol rehab is will prove more effective in the long run for curbing the issue. For DUI/DWI offenders in Athens that are lucky enough to be allowed to participate in this rehab process instead of other more severe consequences, most will remain away from the criminal justice system permanently.