Here is a brief summary of recent events at Blanchard Law Offices as well as significant legal developments. Check back here often for the latest news about the firm.

Significant Developments at Blanchard Law Offices

In October of 2002, Mr. Blanchard was designated as Capital Defense Counsel for Lee Boyd Malvo, one of the alleged “Beltway Snipers” in connection with the shooting death of a local liquor store employee. Mr. Blanchard will be assisted by co-counsel, Jeffrey C. Duffey of Montgomery. As of this time, Mr. Blanchard has traveled to New York City to meet with Mr. Malvo’s Virginia defense counsel, and has plans to attend Malvo’s upcoming trial in Virginia.

In June of 2003, Mr. Blanchard served as lead counsel in the trial of Jason Holloway, a young black man accused of a double homicide in Chambers County, Alabama. There were three charges of Capital Murder against Mr. Holloway, and some local citizens of Lafayette, Alabama, were of the opinion that the murders may possibly have been the most heinous and aggravated crimes in the history of Chambers county. The Prosecutor’s office was confident of obtaining a death sentence, and refused to even engage in plea negotiations. Mr. Blanchard and his co-counsel, Richard Keith (also of Montgomery) thoroughly investigated the case over a three year pretrial period, investing literally hundreds of hours in pretrial preparation and motions. Ultimately, the case was tried before a jury and Mr. Blanchard and the defense team were successful in convincing the jury and the judge to spare Mr. Holloway’s life in what had seemed from the outset like a hopeless case.

Mr. Blanchard is currently serving as the Chairman of the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association’s Legislative committee for the second straight year. He is working on legislation to require electronic recording of police interrogations in Alabama, and separate legislation to establish a vehicle for deserving defendants to have their convictions and arrest records expunged in certain cases.

In the Family Law area, Mr. Blanchard, in addition to his regular caseload, is currently representing two clients in Petitions before the Supreme Court of Alabama. He expects to attend the Alabama State Bar Family Law Section’s Fall Meeting in Gulf Shores in October.

Mr. Blanchard will be in attendance at the Meeting and Continuing Legal Education Seminar hosted by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the end of October.