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FAQs: interpreters

  • WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME WHEN INTERPRETING AT DISTRICT?

    As an interpreter for Federal District Court, you will be expected to translate the questions asked of the defendant/witness by counsel or the judge and to relay the defendant's answers or statements to counsel and the judge verbatim.

  • AM I EXPECTED TO TRANSLATE SIMULTANEOUSLY OR AT MY OWN PACE?

    Depending upon your experience, translation will proceed at a pace that is comfortable for you. Of course, simultaneous translation will help the proceeding to move along quickly, but time is not a factor here. Proper translation and understanding is the important issue. You will be able to set the pace, with the judge's assistance, if necessary.

  • IF I DON'T UNDERSTAND A WORD OR STATEMENT, CAN I ASK COUNSEL OR THE JUDGE TO EXPLAIN?

    Yes, please do not hesitate to ask for clarification at any time if you are unsure or to refer to your dictionary or glossary.

  • WHAT ARE THE RATES FOR A NON-CERTIFIED INTERPRETER AND FOR A CERTIFIED INTERPRETER?

    See Interpreter Rates.

  • IS MY PARKING PAID FOR AND IS THERE A DESIGNATED PARKING AREA?

    You will be required to pay for parking out of your pocket; there is no designated parking area, but there are several public parking areas near each courthouse.

  • WHERE DO I REPORT UPON ARRIVAL AT DISTRICT COURT?

    The courtroom deputy that contacted you will instruct you where to report. Usually, you will be reporting to the Clerk's Office (unless otherwise instructed) to fill out your voucher/contract, then you will be further instructed where to report.

  • HOW DO I BECOME A FEDERALLY CERTIFIED INTERPRETER?

    To become certified, an interpreter must complete a criterion-referenced performance examination which shall be administered under the supervision of the Administration Office of the U.S. Courts. The examination shall consist of written and oral parts. At the present time, languages for which certification have been established are: Haitian-Creole, Navajo, and Spanish.

  • WHO DO I CONTACT TO INQUIRE ABOUT INTERPRETER CERTIFICATION EXAMS?

    Visit the U.S. Courts website: www.uscourts.gov.

  • WHAT DO I SAY IF A DEFENDANT OR A FAMILY MEMBER ASKS ME A QUESTION I DON'T FEEL IS APPROPRIATE FOR ME TO ANSWER?

    Inform the party that you have been hired by the Court and it is inappropriate to engage in general conversation with anyone other than court officials without permission of the Court.

  • IF I AM UNDER CONTRACT WITH THE COURT TO TRANSLATE FOR A DEFENDANT AND THEN ASKED BY THE PROBATION/PRETRIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO ASSIST THEM PRIOR TO COURT, WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT?

    If you have assisted someone from the Probation/Pretrial Services Department prior to the court proceeding during the same half-day period, you will still be paid by the Court.

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