DUI/DWI offenders in Mercer are sometimes given the opportunity to take advantage of an alcohol and drug rehab center in lieu of penalties for their drug or alcohol related criminal offenses. The consequences for these kinds of offenses can occasionally be rather serious, including jail time and serious fines and other significant costs associated with being prosecuted and/or found guilty of DUI/DWI. Many times, especially for first time offenders, the judge will decide that treating the concerns of alcohol and drug abuse in drug or alcohol rehab is a better decision in the long run for full handling the issue. For DUI/DWI offenders in Mercer that are lucky enough to be permitted to participate in this rehab process instead of other far more severe consequences, most will remain away from the court system permanently.