In re Joseph D.
Federal authorities at the San Ysidro Port of Entry (port) discovered 99.48 pounds of marijuana hidden in a car in which defendant was riding as a passenger. The People filed a petition in which they alleged that defendant had unlawfully transported into the state more than 28.5 grams of marijuana, and that he had unlawfully possessed marijuana for sale. The juvenile court held an adjudication hearing, sustained the petition, and found both allegations to be true.
On appeal, defendant contends that the trial court committed reversible error by admitting in evidence various translated statements that he purportedly made to a police officer during an interview conducted after his detention at the port. Defendant also claims there is insufficient evidence that he knew there was marijuana hidden in the car.
Court concluded that the trial court committed prejudicial error in admitting the translated out-of-court statements. However, court concluded that there is sufficient evidence that defendant knew there was marijuana in car. Accordingly, court reversed the judgment and remanded for a new adjudication hearing.
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