Repeat OWI Offense Arrest in Outagamie County: State Patrol Takes Menasha Driver into Custody

On the evening of December 28, Wisconsin State Patrol demonstrated their continued vigilance in combating impaired driving when they arrested David Rojas, a 37-year-old Menasha resident, for his fourth Operating While under the Influence (OWI) offense. The incident unfolded around 7:00 PM when a state trooper initially pulled over Rojas's vehicle for exceeding posted speed limits. During the routine traffic stop, the trooper observed signs indicating possible impairment. After conducting standardized field sobriety tests, which Rojas failed to complete satisfactorily, law enforcement took him into custody. This arrest represents a significant concern for public safety, as it marks Rojas's fourth OWI offense, highlighting the ongoing challenges Wisconsin faces with repeat impaired driving offenders.

Location and Infrastructure

The arrest occurred in Outagamie County, a region encompassing several major transportation arteries including US Highway 41 and State Highway 441. This area experiences substantial traffic volume due to its proximity to major population centers like Appleton, Menasha, and Kaukauna. The county's road network serves both local commuter traffic and commercial vehicles, with particular congestion during evening hours when this incident occurred. The region's mixed urban and rural road system presents unique challenges for law enforcement monitoring, especially during weekend evenings when impaired driving incidents typically increase.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Wisconsin State Statute 346.63(1)(a), a fourth OWI offense is classified as a Class H Felony, carrying potential penalties of up to six years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000. The state's "Look-Back Period" for OWI offenses is lifetime, meaning all previous convictions remain relevant for sentencing purposes. Victims affected by impaired drivers in Wisconsin have the right to seek compensation through both criminal restitution and civil litigation channels. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Wisconsin is three years from the date of the incident. Additionally, Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system, allowing recovery of damages as long as the plaintiff is not more than 50% at fault. An experienced Wisconsin drunk driving accident lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources:

• Outagamie County Sheriff's Department: Emergency Response and Law Enforcement
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation: Traffic Safety Programs
• Wisconsin State Patrol Northeast Region
• AODA (Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse) Treatment Services - Outagamie County
• Wisconsin Department of Justice Victim Resource Center
• Wisconsin State Law Library - OWI Statutes and Regulations
• Fox Valley Region Victim-Witness Services