Individuals who are arrested and convicted of the same crime multiple times are considered "habitual offenders". Habitual offenders are considered dangerous to society and the courts have implemented more severe penalties for each arrest to deter them.

It is not uncommon for DUI offenders to have multiple DUI arrests. In an attempt to eliminate DUI offenses, the courts have instituted severe DUI penalties such as: felony convictions, mandatory attendance at a substance abuse program, long prison sentences, high fines, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, community service and probation.