Court Interpreter Services
language Access Policy & Plan
Federal law prohibits national origin discrimination and requires federally assisted law enforcement entities, such as the Judiciary, to take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to programs, services, and information to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals. In compliance with federal law, the Language Access Plan and Policy (LAPP) is designed to provide timely, meaningful, and equal access to Judiciary programs, services, and information to LEP and DHH persons.
This policy moves a step further by promoting the accuracy and integrity of court proceedings, preserving constitutional principles of fairness and access to justice, and ensuring maximum communication between the Judiciary and members of the community with whom the Judiciary interacts. Interpreter services are provided for American Sign Language, Bengali, Carolinian, Chamorro, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Chuukese, Japanese, Korean, Kosraean, Palauan, Pohnpeian, Russian, Tagalog, Thai, Yapese and other languages as required.
• WAIT for the interpreter to finish talking before you speak.
• SPEAK SLOWLY AND CLEARLY in your language so the interpreter can hear everything you say.
• SPEAK directly to the attorney or the Judge, not to the interpreter.
• Do not interrupt when others are talking. You can speak when it is your turn.
• Do not ask the interpreter for advice or information about your case.
• If you have any questions or cannot understand the interpreter, tell your attorney, court staff, or the judge at once. At the hearing, you may:
• Ask the judge for an interpreter.
• Give the judge a letter or the request form asking for an interpreter.
• Show the judge your Language ID Card, available at the judiciary courthouse and on the Judiciary website at www.nmijudiciary.gov
TIPS on Going to Court
Go to court on your hearing date.
• Dress neatly. Do not wear shorts, tank tops, or swimsuits.
• Remove sunglasses and hats.
• Do not bring weapons or illegal drugs to court.
• If you miss your hearing:
• You may lose your case.
• You may be arrested.Go to the correct courtroom.
• Find out the correct courtroom location ahead of time.
• If you are driving to court, make sure you plan for enough time to find parking.
• Bring all court documents or information about your case with you.
• Find the courtroom.
• Go into the courtroom and tell court staff your name.
• Show your court documents if you are asked to do so.
• When your name is called, go to the front of the courtroom.When you are in court:
• Do not smoke in the courthouse.
• Do not eat, drink, or chew gum in the courtroom.
• Turn off your cell phone and other electronic devices
How To Use A Court Interpreter
The court is providing an interpreter at no cost to you.
The interpreter will not take sides. The interpreter’s only job is to interpret what you say into English
and interpret what others say into your language.
It is important to:
• LISTEN carefully to the interpreter.
How to Request an Interpreter Before the Hearing
Get the Request for Interpreter Services form. The form is available at the judiciary courthouse and on the Judiciary website at www.nmijudiciary.gov
Fill out the form. Follow the instructions on the form.
Give or mail the completed form to the court ten (10) business days before your hearing date.
You must go to the court to see the judge on your hearing date.
>>> Download Request for an Interpreter Form Here
How to Request an Interpreter At the Hearing
You must go to the court to see the judge on your hearing date.
Your attorney may ask the judge for an interpreter for you, orally or in writing.
>>> Download Interpreter ID Card language Here