DUI/DWI offenders in Santa Cruz are occasionally given the opportunity to participate in a drug rehabilitation center in lieu of punishment for their alcohol or drug related crimes. Penalties for these kinds of criminal offenses can ordinarily be very severe, which can include incarceration and substantial fines and other significant costs to pay for being in the court system for and/or found guilty of DUI/DWI. More often than not, especially for first time offenders, the criminal justice system will decide that addressing the issues of drug or alcohol abuse in treatment is a better decision in the long run for effectively addressing the issue. For DUI/DWI offenders in Santa Cruz, CA. who are fortunate enough to be able to take part in this rehab process instead of other additional serious punishment, a great number will remain out of the court system permanently.