Court Interpreters FAQ | Texas Family Law Powerhouse

Question 1

Do I have the right to an interpreter at probation violation hearings?

Accepted Answer

This question has been addressed in 1 Texas court opinion(s), including Martinez v. State. To defeat a tactical mid-trial request for an interpreter—or to preserve the right to one—practitioners must document a party's English proficiency early in the case through discovery of English-language texts, emails, and prior hearing transcripts, as Texas courts only require a litigant to understand English "well enough" to satisfy due process.

Question 2

When is a defendant entitled to an interpreter in Texas criminal court?

Accepted Answer

This question has been addressed in 1 Texas court opinion(s), including Martinez v. State. To defeat a tactical mid-trial request for an interpreter—or to preserve the right to one—practitioners must document a party's English proficiency early in the case through discovery of English-language texts, emails, and prior hearing transcripts, as Texas courts only require a litigant to understand English "well enough" to satisfy due process.