I think the thing we're lacking in the American justice system is more rehabilitation than forgiveness. Obviously, recidivism is going to happen a lot if you just put all the convicts in a concrete box with subhuman conditions without teaching any life skills, then release them into a society that (sometimes rightfully, often not) hates them and denies basic opportunities necessary for survival. It gets harder, not easier, to do the right things.
Drunk drivers are a danger to society, however (which I think you probably already believe).