Gonzales v. State

Pope, Judge.

Defendant Virgilio Jesus Gonzales appeals from his conviction of violating the Georgia Controlled Substances Act by trafficking in cocaine. Defendant is a native of Puerto Rico who had resided in the United States for approximately two years prior to his arrest. Defendant’s sole enumeration of error concerns the trial court’s failure to appoint an interpreter for his use at trial. Held:

“The use of an interpreter, and the extent to which he may be used in the examination of a witness, must necessarily lie within the sound discretion of the trial judge. Hensley v. State, 228 Ga. 501…