Michael A. Blanchard | Experienced Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer

I represented a client who was falsely accused of sexually assaulting his step-daughter. This was done at the beginning of a divorce case which involved his 8 year old daughter. Due to the charges, the Department of Children and Families(DCF) was also involved. I was his trial lawyer in the criminal case and we were able to secure not guilty charges on all counts. In the divorce, I was able to ultimately get him sole custody of his child. In the DCF case, I was able to have all findings of neglect erased and provide information that DCF did not object to him having sole custody of his daughter. After everything ws done, I got to see him smile for the first time since I started representing him.

The old fashioned way-hard work. I was fortunate to start with a firm that taught me how to be a lawyer. I gravitated toward family and criminal law because it gave me the opportunity to work with people and families going through the most difficult times in their lives. I treat my clients as equals. They need a service I can provide to assist them, and i talk to them as people and make sure that they understand the process and how to best help themselves through the process. Throughout my 38 years as a lawyer, I have seen many clients grow up, start their families and see them in the community. Not only do they come back for other legal needs, but they send their friends and relatives.

Honesty and being able to connect with her/him so that they feel that the attorney will listen to them, give them good advice, and if the case can't be resolved short of trial, have them understand that their lawyer can also try a case effectively for them.

Extremely important. I endeavor to visit every "crime scene", so I can get the feeling of what was my client going through at the time of the incident. If it allegedly happened at night, see it at night. Knowledge of the police departments involved in the case, the prosecutors handling the case and the Judge who may be trying the case is vital. Since my felony criminal practice is state wide, If I don't know the police department, the prosecutor and/or the Judge, i reach out to a well known practitioner in the area and seek their input. It is always important to have as much information about the community in which the crime allegedly occurred to accurately inform your client of the potential outcomes.

I try to get as much information in the call to properly advise the prospective clients as to what the legal issues may be and to understand the the concerns of the client to determine if they are achievable. I always try to listen to the client to see if I can find what is really bothering them about the case or the other spouse in a family matter. A deeper analysis is obtained once the client retains me and I have the opportunity to determine the other sides position, to gather information consistent with or strategic position, and to determine a deeper strategy as the issues involve in the case from a factual standpoint.

Prior to the consult, i need to know the other party(ies) involved in the case so that a conflict check can be performed. as to the call itself, I ask the client to describe for me what they believe the issues are (family), or what happened in the criminal case (what police department/officer is involved, were they questioned, etc). The more facts they can provide will allow a more effective consultation.

MY experience, the assets within the firm for me to utilize if needed to retrieve and analyze for the issues presented by the case, and my trial experience should negotiations not lead to a resolution. I believe I am a good listener which leads to understanding the clients needs better and, in turn, allow me to provide better advice and strategies for the case.

Working with people. Family and criminal cases often times involve dealing not only with the client and the court, but the families affected by the case. Providing them with the knowledge they need to resole the case the best way possible. Seeing them achieve the desired result. Seeing them after the case and taking to them about how their life has been since the case was resolved.

I love to travel (try to do two trips a year-one in the United Staes and one abroad), cook, read, and watch all sports teams (especially those from Boston). i love spending time with my family ( Father, wife of 36 years,2 adult children, one grandson and one on the way ).

I have coached youth sports, provided financial support to youth baseball teams to travel to the Dominican Republic to play experience other cultures, served on the Board of Directors of a baseball team in the New England Collegiate Baseball League, support local fundraisers and the like. Giving back to your community is important to me.

• Connecticut Bar Association | Member
  New London County Bar Association | Member
  American Bar Association | Member
  Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association | Member
  Association of Trial Lawyers of America | Member
  Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Bar Association | Member
  National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member
  Connecticut Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member
  Labor & Employment and Sports and Entertainment law sections of the Connecticut Bar Association | Member

• Distinguished | Martindale-Hubbell | 2020

• Michael A. Blanchard
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