People v. Pellor

*845Initially, we find that defendant’s contention that he was denied the effective assistance of an interpreter throughout the County Court proceedings lacks merit as he never requested an interpreter until his fifth appearance in court. Up until that time, defendant assured the court that he understood the proceedings and that he would specifically ask for an interpreter if and when needed (see, People v Pineda, 160 AD2d 649, lv denied 76 NY2d 794; People v Gamal, 148 AD2d 468). When he finally did request the presence of an interpreter, one was provided to him and she was present at every…