Q: What should I do if I haven't been indicted for a DWI arrest over a year ago in Texas?

A: If you have a lawyer who was hired on this new DWI, you should definitely contact that person.

For the most part, the State has 180 days to indict you, after they arrest you on a felony. There are many ways that can be extended by the state. Thus, it is not over yet.

The best thing to do is NOT get arrested again.

Try to go on with your life and let more time pass. The Statute of limitations is three (3) years on felony 3rd DWI.

There is a lot more we could talk about, but you should talk to your lawyer first. If that doesn't work out, then you can call my office or any other experienced lawyer on the Justia website.

I hope this helps.

A: You're right to be thinking about this now—going over a year without an indictment or hearing for a third DWI is unusual and worth following up on. In Texas, felony DWI cases (like a third offense) generally require a **grand jury indictment** before they proceed to court. Delays can happen, but they don't mean the case has been dropped unless you've received official notice from the court or district attorney.

The best thing you can do is **reach out to your attorney** and ask them to check the status of your case. They can contact the district clerk’s office to see if an indictment has been filed or if your case is still pending review by the grand jury. In some cases, if a significant delay occurs and your right to a speedy trial is violated, your lawyer may be able to raise that as an issue—though it's more complicated if the case hasn't been indicted yet.

Try not to assume that no news means you're in the clear. Taking a proactive step now can help you avoid surprises later, especially since a third DWI in Texas is a **felony** charge with serious consequences. You're not alone—just take it one step at a time and get the answers you need.