Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders: Don't think your case has disappeared!
Being charged with operating while intoxicated is a serious matter. Facing a second or third charge is far more serious, and repeat offenders are subject to mandatory imprisonment terms, vehicle forfeiture, and long-term license revocation.
If you're facing a second or third offense, the procedure and ramifications are entirely different. It's critical that you get an attorney NOW.
Typically, local police will not immediately charge a second or third offense. The accused may not be arraigned before a judge or required to post a bond. This does not mean that the charge has been dismissed. Instead, the charge has been referred to the local state prosecuting attorney's office for an arrest warrant.
The state prosecutor's office may take upwards of two to three months to process a warrant for OWI 2nd or OWI 3rd. During the first 14 to 30 days following an arrest, most videotape evidence is routinely destroyed. If you wait until the warrant has been approved, some of the most critical evidence has likely already been destroyed.
If you're facing an enhanced drunk driving charge, contact an attorney immediately and ensure that evidence is preserved for your defense.