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1. What is a court interpreter?

A court interpreter is a sworn officer of the court that provides impartial and confidential language services during a court or court-related proceeding. An interpreter must render a complete and accurate interpretation or sight translation by reproducing in the target language the closest natural equivalent of the source language message without altering, omitting, or adding anything to the meaning of what is stated or written, and without explanation. Spoken language court interpreters interpret for parties that speak or understand little or no English. Sign Language interpreters interpret for all parties who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

2. What is the difference between a court interpreter and a translator?

A court interpreter interprets all verbal or signed communications for parties with limited knowledge of English or parties that are deaf or hard of hearing during a court or court-related proceeding. A translator conveys written information from one language into another. 

3. What should I expect when using an in-person court interpreter?

The Court Interpreter will

•    Hand you a set of headphones, so you can listen directly to the rendition in your own language. An interpreter may also stand or sit close to you and whisper the rendition directly to you without using equipment.

•    Help you communicate with your lawyer, court personnel, and the judge during a court or court related proceedings.

•    Attempt to communicate precisely what each speaker is saying.

•    Interpret everything that is said, without adding, omitting, or changing anything.

The Court Interpreter Will Not

•    Give you legal or any other advice.

•    Answer questions about the law or the legal process.

•    Explain what words mean or what is happening in court.

•    Talk to you about your case.

•    Have private conversations with you or your family.

•    File your court forms. (Petitions, motions, etc)

Remember: Court interpreters cannot help you fill out or file your court forms or answer legal questions.

4. What should I expect when using a telephonic court interpreter?

The telephonic interpreter will give a brief introduction at the beginning of the proceeding. If you are having difficulty hearing or understanding the interpreter, please notify the Court as soon as possible, even if you must interrupt the hearing. However, do not ask the interpreter to explain what was said. 

*Please mute your phones and reduce your background noise when using court interpreter.

5. Will the conversation between an attorney and his client remain confidential?

Yes, a court interpreter must protect and uphold the confidentiality of all privileged information obtained during the course of her or his duties.

6. How do I request an interpreter for my court proceeding?

To request an interpreter for a court proceeding, please click here - https://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Judicial/Interpreters/pages/InterpreterScheduling.aspx 

7. What is the cancellation policy for interpreter services requested?

Please email [email protected].gov as soon as you know of the cancellation or the reset. Our contract language providers require a 48-hour notice.  

8. What does it take to become a court interpreter?

Court interpreting is a sophisticated and demanding profession that requires much more than being bilingual. The interpreter must possess a native or near native knowledge of English and the non-English language generally equivalent to that of an educated native speaker of the language. Court interpreters must also possess specialized cognitive and motor skills, have a firm understanding of court procedure and basic justice system concepts and terminology, and be thoroughly familiar with the ethical and professional responsibilities of interpreters in the judiciary.

9. I’m interested in becoming a court interpreter, what do I do?

If you are interested in becoming in a court interpreter visit: https://www.azcourts.gov/interpreter/Arizona-Court-interpreter-Credentialing-Program 

10. Is there a roster to find qualified interpreters?

Yes.  The AOC Interpretation Resources Court Interpreter Registry and Listserv Arizona’s Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) maintains a statewide roster of individuals who indicate they have interpreting experience and have expressed interest in working in the courts. This roster is available to the Clerk’s Office on the Internet at http://www.interpreters.courts.az.gov.

11. Who do I contact if I am a person with a disability who needs assistance to participate in a court proceeding, program or service?

Please contact the ADA coordinator: 

Don Hendrix

HR Manager

Superior Court in Pinal County

520-866-5420