Individuals in Panama, New York with DUI/DWI are often court ordered to go to an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program, most often when they are first time offenders and in lieu of other court penalties. While being convicted of a DUI/DWI in Panama usually comes with hefty fines and even jail time in some instances, the criminal justice system is at times more inclined to help rehabilitate the particular person rather than penalizing them. Allowing individuals with DUI/DWI to participate in a drug and alcohol rehab center as a substitute to other methods of punishment has proven to be effective in keeping individuals in Panama, New York out of the criminal justice system because of DUI/DWI in the future.