Blanchard & Newman

There was worryingly little communication in the pretrial period; however, this detail was vastly overshadowed by Mr. Blackwell’s exceptional performance in court. He was persistent in assuring me that my criminal and traffic charges were beatable. Mr. Blackwell maintained this confidence and energy even after the first District Court proceeding resulted in a mistrial. This assertion proved to be well-founded, as my case was ultimately dismissed by the succeeding District Court Judge.

Mr. Newman is a kind, understanding man. He takes cases so he can help out his community and also the people in it. He stands up for the small people who don't have a voice like children in a courtroom. He gets to the bottom of the problem and makes results happen. I am very glad I have Mr. Newman on my side for any problems.

After paying the retainer I never heard from an attorney and called after 6 weeks. They were waiting for me to pay the rest of my fees before they would do any type of work for me. This caused me to have to continue my case several times. I started with Newman, then to Blanchard, then to Ramsey. When we went to court he advised me just to sign the papers and didn't go to bat for me in any way. More concerned with getting elected than helping me obviously.

I would not recommend this law firm. Please save yourself time and money and find another office. Find an honest, compassionate attorney that will listen to your case. If they act like they don't care, they are not the right fit.

Gregory Newman, now the district attorney for Henderson, Polk, & Transylvania Counties, is currently under investigation by the NC State Bar for letting an indicted child RAPIST off the hook, & then lying about it to the child, her parents, & the Bar. He is unfit to practice law. Google "Greg Newman" & "Ethics 360" & "Carolina Public Press" for articles about Greg Newman's disturbing & dangerous lack of ethics.

Mr. Blackwell did not provide any documentation of hours worked, or billed, then I never received the remainder of my retainer back. In court on the day of my trial, he did not consult with me - he exparte'd with the judge, did not fight for my best interest and I wound up in a worse situation. I never received any paperwork from my day in court. I have not gotten any response back from him from my many, many calls and emails to his office. He just disappeared, and kept the rest of my money.

Had I queried the NC Bar prior to hiring Mr. Blanchard... the same would have not occurred. His history of actions against him is beyond comprehension. Mr. Blanchard has serious issues that I now realize his colleagues have been aware of for years. He requires unheard of retainer fees, makes deposit, and is 'done'. At the most critical time in my proceedings he was nowhere to be found and failed to file responses per court deadlines. Ron Blanchard is a disgrace to the legal profession.

Mr Newman handled my case in a poor manner. His lack of filing paper work resulted in me staying in jail for 8 hours over a speeding ticket. He only wanted to please guilty on my dui case. I had to retain new counsel and he refused to refund my money and the only thing he did was file for one continuance.