Your right to an interpreter

In the Valley this is not theory. It is Tuesday morning. The right to be told, in your own language, what is happening in your case is bigger than it sounds. This is the short version of what that right actually means.

In court

Texas and federal law guarantee a qualified court interpreter for any party or witness who does not speak English well enough to participate. The interpreter is provided free of charge in criminal cases and in most civil cases when requested before the hearing. If a hearing is scheduled and you need an interpreter, tell the clerk or your lawyer at least seven days before the date.

With police

During a stop or arrest, you have the right to ask for an interpreter and to remain silent until one is provided. Anything you say in broken English can and will be transcribed into perfect English in the police report. Wait for the interpreter.

With USCIS

USCIS will allow an interpreter at most interviews. The interpreter must be a fluent adult and cannot be a witness or a party to the case. We bring an interpreter to every interview where the client prefers Spanish.

With your own lawyer

If your lawyer cannot answer your mother’s questions in the language she speaks, you do not have the right lawyer for your family. The standard is not "gets by." The standard is fluent. In this office every conversation happens in whichever language is more comfortable - often two languages at the same table.