- The ABA’s Concise Guide to Lawyer Specialty Certification
- The Benefits of a Lawyer Being a Board-Certified Specialist
- Benefits to Become Board Certified - ABA Video
- Board Certified Members
- How to Become Board Certified in DUI Defense Law
- Apply for Certification
- Apply for Re-Certification Renewal
- Board Certified Senior Specialist
- Rules Governing Board Certification
- Preparing for the Exam
About John P. Calmes
Graduated from LSU Law School in August 1975. Rated “AV” by Martindale Hubbell. A founding member of “The National College for DUI Defense” (1995). Listed in “Best Lawyers in America” and “Louisiana Super Lawyers”. Past President of “The Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers” (2006). Has handled over 2,000 DWI cases. Has spoken at numerous seminars for various organizations about defending DWI cases beginning in 1988. Vietnam Veteran; awarded the Silver Star (1970).
Contact John P. Calmes
Provide some details about your situation, but remember not to include sensitive information. An attorney-client relationship is only formed once an attorney formally agrees to represent you.
Find an Attorney
Enter your city, state, or Zip code below to locate a qualified attorney who has demonstrated a commitment to defend those accused of DUI and related crimes.
Virtual Forensic Library
NCDD members have access to a comprehensive forensic library that provides invaluable information to be used when defending clients charged with DUI.
This library includes scientific articles on drug and alcohol intoxication, toxicology and pharmacology, methods of testing for blood alcohol content, field sobriety testing, potential errors that may occur during testing, accident reconstruction, expert testimony, and evidentiary rules. This valuable information can ensure that you provide a high quality defense to clients charged with DUI based on the circumstances of their case and the laws in their state.
FROM OUR BLOG
The Disconnect Defense: Defeating a Breath Test Twice the Legal Limit
06/29/2026
By Hunter TzovarrasChair, NCDD Trial Advocacy Task ForceThe Law Office of Hunter J. Tzovarras, Bangor, Maine With assistance from Myranda G. SandbergMember, NCDDNero DUI Defense, S.C., Eau Claire, Wisconsin "It doesn't matter what number the machine prints out if the video shows you walk, talk, and act sober." That is what I tell clients who are sure a high breath test means...
AI in Court Filings: The Ethics Line Between Assistance and Abdication
03/30/2026
By Ryan Katz It is no secret that Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is vastly changing the landscape of many different fields. While the practice of law is certainly not something anybody would want to be taken over by AI in any major way, AI is still a tool which has applications for lawyers. Generative AI can help lawyers brainstorm arguments, organize...

