FAQs • Pierce County, WA • CivicEngage

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Superior Court - Interpreter

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1. Do I have to have a court certified interpreter for a civil hearing?: Yes, RCW 2.43 requires that if a language is certified by the State of Washington the appointing authority shall appoint only certified interpreters, absent of good cause.

2. How do I get a court certified interpreter?: By calling Pierce County Interpreter Services and getting a referral or by going to www.courts.wa.gov and search 'Interpreters' following the prompts.

3. Who pays for interpreters?: The law provides for interpreters to be paid at government expense for limited English proficient (LEP) persons in all court and court-annexed proceedings without distinguishing among criminal, civil, or administrative matters. The law also extends to provide meaningful access for LEP persons with court-supervised personnel and other court-ordered functions that are conducted outside the courtroom.

4. Can interpreters be used for phone interpreting?: Interpreters may be appointed to serve by telephone for brief, non evidentiary proceedings.

For further information on interpreter's issues please contact Interpreter Services at (253) 798-6091.