Opinion ID: 451965
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Challenges to the Conduct of Steneman's Deposition

Text: 25 Sines contends that the conduct of Steneman's deposition violated the requirements of Fed.R.Crim.P. 15 and section 3503 on a number of grounds. None of these challenges has any merit. Sines argues first that the government failed to provide written notice of the time and place of the deposition, as required under Rule 15(b) and section 3503(b). Although the record is unclear as to whether formal notice was provided, Sines's attorney was fully aware of the scheduling of Steneman's deposition, had his travel expenses for attending the deposition fully subsidized by the government, and actively participated throughout the course of the deposition. Therefore, regardless of whether Rule 15's and section 3503's written notice requirements were completely satisfied, no prejudice resulted to Sines. 26 Sines also contends that the United States and its agents did not cooperate with his counsel to arrange a meeting with Steneman prior to the deposition. Nothing in Rule 15 or section 3503 requires the government to assist the defendant and his counsel in such a manner. All that these provisions require is that the government permit the defendant and his attorney to attend the deposition itself, and that the government subsidize the defendant's and defense counsel's transportation costs and expenses. See 18 U.S.C. Sec. 3503; Fed.R.Crim.P. 15; United States v. King, 552 F.2d 833, 842 (9th Cir.1976), cert. denied, 430 U.S. 966, 97 S.Ct. 1646, 52 L.Ed.2d 357 (1977). As this court stated in a case similar to the present one involving the depositions of two unindicted co-conspirators who were incarcerated in Japan for smuggling narcotics: 27 Appellants complain of an inability to interview the deponents prior to the examination, yet such an interview is not an absolute right.... 28 King, 552 F.2d at 843. 29 Finally, Sines contends that under Rule 15 and section 3503, the government was required to obtain safe passage for him out of Thailand so that he could attend Steneman's deposition. There is no basis in either provision for this claim. See 18 U.S.C. Sec. 3503; Fed.R.Crim.P. 15. 30