United States v. Claudio Romo-Chavez

Opinion by Judge O’SCANNLAIN; Concurrence by Judge BERZON.

OPINION

O’SCANNLAIN, Circuit Judge:

We must decide whether the Confrontation Clause or the Federal Rules of Evidence prohibit the government from introducing at trial a defendant’s admissions to a police officer because the translator who facilitated them, while conversationally fluent, would not qualify as a court interpreter.

I

Claudio Romo-Chavez is a citizen and national of Mexico. In May 2009, he attempted to enter this country at the De-Concini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona, driving a 1999 Buick Century. During primary…