Blair v. State

HABHAB, Judge.

FACTS

The defendant, James Blair, is currently serving a life sentence after his conviction for first-degree murder and theft. His conviction was affirmed by the Iowa Supreme Court in State v. Blair, 347 N.W.2d 416 (Iowa 1984). On September 25, 1984, Blair filed an application for postconviction relief alleging his trial counsel had been ineffective in failing to challenge the jury panel and to adequately investigate and locate witnesses who could have aided in his defense. Blair also raised additional issues: (1) absence of opportunity to confer with his codefendant or to…