Legal Insights & Defense Strategies
Stay informed and empowered with expert legal insights from Sallinger / Melancon Defense Attorneys. Our insights page features the latest updates on criminal defense strategies and case law developments to help you better understand your rights. Whether you’re looking for guidance on legal matters or want to stay ahead of changes in criminal law, our attorneys provide in-depth analysis and practical knowledge. Explore our latest articles below.
No Refusal and Forced Blood Extraction
Certain parishes institute a “no refusal” program. Under these programs, an individual who “refuses” to voluntarily submit to a breath test will be served...
Can I Get a Free Sniff?
OK, Franky is good. As a K-9 drug detector dog, he can smell marijuana inside a home from outside the closed door of a...
RIP Harold Savoie
One could stack several lifetimes of experiences in the practice of law and never come up with an advocate as colorful as Harold Savoie....
Change Is Not Always For The Better
The 2014 regular Louisiana Legislative session saw several changes in the area of OWI laws. Act 385 completely overhauled LSA-R.S. 14:98, Louisiana’s OWI defining...
C’est Fini!
What has been referred to as the “Williamson pleas” in Lafayette City Court came to an inglorious but long overdue ending in Lafayette City...
The Incredible Shrinking Fourth Amendment
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated,...
Louisiana Votes to End Non-Unanimous Jury Verdicts
A constitutional amendment to end non-unanimous jury verdicts in Louisiana was approved Tuesday by the state’s voters — a victory for a rare alliance...
Statewide Update: Five Months After Act 194 Louisiana Still Has No OWI Misdemeanor Jury Trial Protocols
Louisiana’s criminal justice system is facing a major procedural shift and, so far, no one seems prepared for it. On June 8, 2025, Governor...
Trust Your Lawyer, No One Else (unless he tells you to)
Those arrested for drinking and driving seek solace and advice from the most unlikely sources. The advice is ample and free. It is usually...
Louisiana Attempts Overdue Highway Beautification Project
A bill to be introduced to the Louisiana Legislature this session aims at curbing the abundant litter that burdens our state-wide highway systems. New...