United States of America, and v. Robert Bender

Appellant was tried by a jury and found guilty of violating 18 U.S.C. § 2312, interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle. He is appealing that decision. We find his arguments to be without merit.

Appellant argues that he was denied due process of law because the district court’s Local Rule 42 was violated. Rule 42 requires the government attorney to furnish defense counsel, at least fifteen days before trial, with “all written or oral confessions, admissions, or statements of the defendant which the government intends to use during the course of the trial.” Assuming, arguendo, that Rule 42 was violated, this is not cause for reversal since there is no evidence that that “violation” in any way prejudiced the appellant.

Appellant also contends that he was denied effective assistance of counsel. The heart of this claim is that he was improperly advised not to testify in his own behalf. This theory was first advanced in appellant’s motion for a new trial; at that time it was rejected. We do not think the trial judge erred in rejecting this claim.

We affirm.