Turner v. State

The defendant was indicted and convicted for burglary in the first degree. Alabama Code Section 13A-7-5 (1975). He was sentenced as an habitual offender to fifteen years' imprisonment.

I

The defendant, a deaf-mute, argues that the trial judge erred in failing to appoint an interpreter at his arraignment.

"The constitution requires that a defendant sufficiently understand the charge against him to be able to assist in his own defense. Ensuring that the defendant has that minimum understanding is primarily the task of the trial judge."Ferrell v. Estelle, 568 F.2d 1128, 1132 (5th Cir. 1978).…