Court Interpreters for Non-English Speakers & Hearing-Impaired

Do courts provide interpreters for non-English speakers?

Yes.

At critical stages of a case, a judge will appoint an interpreter to translate for defendants who have substantial difficulty speaking and understanding English. And under the Americans with Disabilities Act, hearing-impaired individuals may also obtain sign language interpreters.

Even if a defendant has some ability to speak English, or has some hearing ability, the defendant may need the help of an interpreter to understand fully what is happening in court. If a defendant's need is not fully apparent, he/she should tell the judge or his/her own attorney that he/she wants an interpreter.

The presence of an interpreter in no way changes the confidentiality of attorney-client communications, so a defendant who has an interpreter should communicate through them at all times.

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, contact

Christine McGuire, Santa Cruz, Monterey & Santa Clara County Defense Attorney