Chavez-Cuevas

United States v. Chavez-Cuevas

Good Law
158 F. App'x 888
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth CircuitDecember 15, 2005No. 02-30213; D.C. No. CR-00-00033-BLWCalifornia249 words

Opinion

Lead Opinion

MEMORANDUM ***

Martin Chavez-Cuevas appeals a jury conviction and 360-month sentence imposed for conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine.

Chavez-Cuevas requests reversal of his conviction on the ground that the court reporter failed to transcribe sidebar conversations. “tWjhile court reporters are required by the Court Reporters Act, 28 U.S.C. § 753 (b)(1) (1982), to record verbatim all proceedings in open court, their failure to do so does not require a per se rule of reversal.” United States v. Carrillo, 902 F.2d 1405, 1409 (9th Cir.1990). Rather, “the appellant must demonstrate that the missing portion of the transcript specifically prejudices his appeal before relief will be granted.” Id. (citation omitted). Prejudice is not assumed simply because appellant has new counsel on appeal, United States v. Antoine, 906 F.2d 1379, 1381 (9th Cir.1990), or because he claims “he cannot know of ‘potential unknown errors.’ ” United States v. Anzalone, 886 F.2d 229, 232 (9th Cir.1989).

Chavez has failed to articulate any specific prejudice suffered as a result of the omitted sidebars. Given the circumstances of this case, a remand will not…

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