DUI/DWI offenders in West Columbia are sometimes given the opportunity to take advantage of a drug treatment program instead of penalties for their alcohol or drug related offenses. The punishment for these kinds of criminal offenses can often be rather harsh, and may include incarceration and significant fines and even significant costs associated with being in court for and/or found guilty of DUI/DWI. More often than not, especially for first time offenders, the judge may decide that treating the concerns of drug or alcohol abuse in treatment is a better decision in the long term for curbing the problem. For DUI/DWI offenders in West Columbia who are fortunate enough to be allowed to participate in this rehab process instead of other more extreme punishment, many will remain out of the court system for good.