DUI/DWI offenders in Gardner are sometimes given the chance to participate in an alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility in lieu of punishment for their alcohol or drug related criminal offenses. Penalties for these kinds of criminal offenses can ordinarily be quite harsh, including being locked up in jail and substantial fines and other absorbitant costs associated with being in the court system for and/or found guilty of DUI/DWI. Frequently, especially for initial offenders, the criminal justice system may decide that treating the problems of alcohol and drug addiction in treatment is going to be more effective in the long term for effectively addressing the issue. For DUI/DWI offenders in Gardner who are lucky enough to be allowed to participate in such treatment instead of other far more serious punishment, many will remain out of the criminal justice system for good.