DUI/DWI offenders in Ely are sometimes given the option to take advantage of a drug rehabilitation facility in lieu of consequences for their alcohol or drug related criminal offenses. The consequences for these types of criminal offenses can occasionally be very harsh, which can include jail time and substantial fines and various significant costs to pay for being in the court system for and/or convicted of DUI/DWI. Frequently, particularly for new offenders, the judge finds that treating the issues of drug or alcohol addiction in treatment is a better decision in the long term for full handling the issue. For DUI/DWI offenders in Ely who are fortunate enough to be able to take part in such treatment instead of other far more severe punishment, a great number will remain away from the court system permanently.