Insights

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.

OWI Defense Attorneys Prayer’s Answered. At least for now.

A quietly passed provision in Louisiana’s OWI statutory framework will fundamentally change how misdemeanor cases are handled, and defense attorneys are payingattention. On June...

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...

Sobriety Checkpoints; What Are They?

Depending on one’s individual perspective, sobriety checkpoints are either considered a part of a comprehensive strategy for the interdiction of possible impaired drivers or...

WHEN CAN I GET OUT OF JAIL?

If you have been arrested for a criminal offense in Louisiana, your first thought will likely be getting out of jail. Every case is...

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...

I Am On Camera? Save It For Me, Please!

The supreme court of the State of Illinois sanctioned the state and barred it from introducing testimony concerning what was contained on a video...

Of Tragedy, Fortitude and Redemption

What started out as a seemingly innocent outing for three young men ended in a tragedy which affected the lives of many. After nearly...

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...

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...

Pot Plus Booze Doubles Odds For Drunk Driving, Study Says

Drinkers who smoke marijuana as they imbibe are twice as likely to drive drunk compared with people who stick to alcohol alone, a new...

What Not To Do When You Go To Court

We are often asked by clients what needs to be done in preparation for court. That you will get from us in person. Someone...

*EXPUNGEMENT UPDATE*

To best serve our clients as they navigate the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be providing frequent updates on state and...