The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit dismissed an appeal after reviewing a motion by appointed counsel to withdraw. The court agreed with the attorney that the case presented no nonfrivolous issues for appellate review.
Brad William Blanchard appealed a judgment from the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Appointed counsel moved to withdraw and filed a brief asserting that the appeal lacked nonfrivolous issues, while the defendant did not file a response.
The court’s reasoning
The court reviewed the attorney’s brief and the relevant portions of the record. It concurred with counsel’s assessment that the appeal presented no nonfrivolous issue for appellate review.
What it means going forward
The appeal is terminated, and the defendant is left without appointed appellate counsel.
