United States v. Blanca Estella Martinez

POLITZ, Chief Judge:

Blanca Estella Martinez appeals her conviction for possession with intent to distribute and importation of marihuana, contending that the failure of the trial court to hear closing arguments violated her sixth amendment right to effective counsel. Concluding that the defense waived the right of summation, we affirm.

Background

Martinez took her auto to a Del Rio, Texas service station for repairs and was given a Pontiac Grand Prix sedan as a “loaner.” She promptly drove into Mexico and within an hour and a half sought to reenter the United States. An agent of the Customs…