Interpreters' certification, as mandated by RCW 2.43 is available through the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in Olympia. You may call (360) 705-5301 to obtain information on testing.

Interpreters in the following languages must be certified to work in court: Cambodian, Cantonese, Korean, Laotian, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. All other languages must be qualified.

Sign language interpreters are certified by RID (The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.).

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In Criminal cases the law indicates that the moving party is responsible for requesting interpreters for in-court matters. When a request comes in, all case information is entered into a master calendar together with the name of the person who requested the interpreter. Interpreters are on Personal Contract and called on an as-needed basis and are not available with less than 48 hours' notice.

Accurate scheduling information includes:

• Location (judge name)
• Date and time of hearing
• Name of case and number
• Language (Specify Chinese dialect: Mandarin, Cantonese etc.)
• Type of proceeding and expected duration (Note: Please notify us of trials or long hearings at least 2 days ahead of time.)

For interpreter scheduling, please contact Interpreter Services at (253) 798-6091.

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When a case date is set over, notify Interpreter Services immediately so that the interpreter may be reassigned or canceled. Freelance interpreters are entitled to compensation if a case is canceled with less than 24 hours' notice, 48 hours for sign language interpreters.

For interpreter requests or information on interpreters' issues, please contact Interpreter Services at (253) 798-6091.

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A court interpreter is a 'language conduit' whose participation allows an individual who does not speak or understand English to participate meaningfully in a judicial proceeding.

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Interpreting is the conversion of speech (spoken language) while translation is conversion of text (written language) from one language into another.

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PREAMBLE: All language interpreters serving in a legal proceeding, whether certified or uncertified, shall abide by the following code of conduct:

A language interpreter who violates any of the provisions of this code is subject to a citation for contempt, disciplinary action or any other sanction that may be imposed by law. The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish and maintain high standards of conduct to preserve the integrity and independence of the adjudicative system.

• A language interpreter, like an officer of the court, shall maintain the standards of personal and professional conduct that promote public confidence in the administration of justice.
• A language interpreter shall interpret or translate the material thoroughly and precisely, adding or omitting nothing, and stating as nearly as possible what has been stated in the language of the speaker, giving consideration to variations in grammar and syntax for both languages involved. A language interpreter shall use the level of communication that best conveys the meaning of the source, and shall not interject the interpreter's personal moods or attitudes.
• When a language interpreter has any reservation about ability to satisfy an assignment competently, the interpreter shall immediately convey that reservation to the parties and to the court. If the communication mode or language of the non-English speaking person cannot be readily interpreted, the interpreter shall notify the appointing authority or the court.
• No language interpreter shall render services in any matter in which the interpreter is a potential witness, associate, friend, or relative of a contending party, unless a specific exception is allowed by the appointing authority for good cause noted on the record. Neither shall the interpreter serve in any matter in which the interpreter has an interest, financial or otherwise, in the outcome. Nor shall any language interpreter serve in a matter where the interpreter has participated in the choice of counsel.
• Except in the interpreter's official capacity, no language interpreter shall discuss, report, or comment upon a matter in which the person serves as interpreter. Interpreters shall not disclose any communication that is privileged by law without the written consent of the parties to the communication, or pursuant to court order.
• A language interpreter shall report immediately to the appointing authority in the proceeding any solicitation or effort by another to induce or encourgage the interpreter to violate any law, any provision of the rules which may be approved by the courts for the practice of language interpreting, or any provisions of this Code of Conduct.
• Language interpreters shall not give legal advice and shall refrain from the unauthorized practice of law.

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Phone interpretation is permitted for non-evidentiary hearings under rule GR 11.2.

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