WILMINGTON — A Blanchester man accused of attempted murder and felonious assault has changed attorneys a little over a month before his trial.

Jamie McLaughlin, 31, hired attorney Scott Evans, replacing his public defender, Rob Baker, whom he had with him since he was first indicted.

Clinton County Common Pleas Judge John W. “Tim” Rudduck informed McLaughlin that a new attorney at this point may impact Evans’ ability to be ready for the jury trial.

McLaughlin told Judge Rudduck he understood what he meant. McLaughlin added there were no ill feelings between him and Baker. They were ready to go forward, but due to an undisclosed circumstance, he made the change.

The first day of McLaughlin’s expected eight- to nine-day jury trial is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Oct. 9. A pre-trial court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 13.

Along with the attempted murder and felonious assault charges — both felony 2s — McLaughlin also faces: a felony 3 weapons under disability; aggravated menacing, misdemeanor 1; aggravated menacing, misdemeanor 1; receiving stolen property, felony 5; and three felony 3 abduction charges.

The indictments are in relation to three different crimes.

According to Blanchester Police Chief Scott Reinbolt, they are: the alleged shooting and assault of McLaughlin’s girlfriend on May 2, which resulted in her suffering serious injuries; a May 6 incident in which McLaughlin was allegedly brandishing a machete and threatening two people who spent the night at his home; and, the discovery of stolen property on May 7 at McLaughlin’s while executing a search warrant.