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...
CHECKPOINTS: What’s The Big Deal?
Sobriety checkpoints scare the life out of you? Make you change your weekend plans? Make you feel like you are a target? Little need...
Bones Regards Spock, The Ultimate OWI Practitioner
It has been said that practicing OWI defense law at its highest level is akin to playing three-dimensional chess. There are nuances and complications...
Pretrial Intervention – Is it for you?
Intervention and diversion programs allow prosecutors to divert cases from the regular court and trial process and substitute classes, counseling, community services, or a...
Sober OWI …. yes, it’s a thing.
In Louisiana, a person can be convicted of OWI, even if there is no impairing substance present in the body. Strange but true. The...
It’s Just a Machine
Ever wonder why people place such trust in the reading of a breath testing device? I do all of the time. Police, prosecutors, judges...
Feds Want BAC Reductions, MADD Opposes
The National Transportation Safety Board voted earlier this month to encourage states to lower their current legal blood alcohol content limits for drivers from...
Why You Will Hate City Court
Lafayette City Court handles as many OWI cases as any city court in Louisiana. The officers who make the majority of OWI arrests are...
Higher Alcohol Taxes May Lead To Fewer Drunk-Driving Deaths
Higher alcohol taxes in Illinois are associated with a decrease in alcohol-related car crash deaths, a new study finds. “Similar alcohol tax increases implemented...
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...