DUI/DWI offenders in Santa Barbara are occasionally given the chance to take part in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program as opposed to receiving other consequences for their drug or alcohol related crimes. Penalties for these types of crimes can often be quite severe, including incarceration and serious fines and various absorbitant costs associated with being in court for and/or convicted of DUI/DWI. Many times, specifically for first time offenders, the judge will decide that treating the issues of alcohol and drug addiction in drug rehab is going to be more effective in the long run for curbing the problem. For DUI/DWI offenders in Santa Barbara who are fortunate enough to be able to participate in such treatment instead of other far more severe consequences, many will stay out of the criminal justice system permanently.