State v. Pham

Tuoc Ba Pham appeals a jury conviction of first degree child rape and first degree child molestation. RCW 9A.44.073(1), .083CL). He contends the court erred in (1) ruling the victim was competent to testify; (2) admitting hearsay statements the victim made to family members; and (3) allowing an uncertified interpreter to translate the victim’s trial testimony. For the first time at oral argument, Mr. Pham further asserts he was deprived of his Sixth Amendment right to counsel. We affirm.

Facts and Procedural History

T.T., age 9 at the time of trial, came to the United States from Vietnam. For a…