DUI/DWI offenders in Lawrence are often given the chance to participate in an alcohol and drug rehabilitation center instead of penalties for their drug or alcohol related crimes. Penalties for such offenses can ordinarily be rather severe, including being locked up in jail and significant fines and even absorbitant costs associated with being in the court system for and/or found guilty of DUI/DWI. Many times, particularly for first time offenders, the criminal justice system will decide that addressing the problems of alcohol and drug abuse in drug or alcohol rehab is a better decision in the long run for full handling the problem. For DUI/DWI offenders in Lawrence that are lucky enough to be permitted to participate in this rehab process instead of other far more severe penalties, most will stay away from the court system for good.