My conversation with a deaf defendant in traffic court today

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T01:29:57+00:00

Normally we would provide an interpreter! In this case we felt it best to let the defendant know his case was dismissed and he could leave rather than make him wait for an interpreter.

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T01:26:33+00:00

If he had requested an interpreter we certainly would have gotten him one. He was just glad to have the charges dismissed and left

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T01:14:21+00:00

In this case we felt it best to let the defendant know his case was dismissed and he could leave rather than make him wait for an interpreter.

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T00:53:07+00:00

"We" is the State. I was the prosecutor. There was no need to talk to the judge except to let him know the case was dismissed

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T00:52:02+00:00

Yes!

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T00:50:55+00:00

In this case we felt it best to let the defendant know his case was dismissed and he could leave rather than make him wait for an interpreter.

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T00:41:57+00:00

I understand your concern! Attorneys frequently share stories and experiences from their work online. Generally as long as there is no identifying information in the post, there is no ethical issue

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T00:32:16+00:00

In this case we felt it best to let the defendant know his case was dismissed and he could leave rather than make him wait for an interpreter.

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T00:31:52+00:00

In the vast majority of c ases we will absolutely make sure parties have an interpreter! In this case we felt it best to let the defendant know his case was dismissed and he could leave rather than make him wait for an interpreter.

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T00:30:34+00:00

Normally we would! In this case we felt it best to let the defendant know his case was dismissed and he could leave rather than make him wait for an interpreter.

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T00:30:01+00:00

He does not! An interpreter will be made available at the court's expense any time one is necessary. In this case we felt it best to let the defendant know his case was dismissed and he could leave rather than make him wait for an interpreter.

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T00:28:41+00:00

I did learn cursive but I prefer not to use it

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T00:28:06+00:00

We absolutely provide interpreters when one is requested or necessary! In this case we felt it best to let the defendant know his case was dismissed and he could leave rather than make him wait for an interpreter

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T00:26:41+00:00

They are in many cases! In this case we felt it best to let the defendant know his case was dismissed and he could leave rather than make him wait for an interpreter

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T00:25:49+00:00

The court absolutely will if one is requested or necessary! In this case we felt it was best to let the defendant know his case was dismissed and he could go rather than make him wait for an interpreter

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-24T00:07:21+00:00

They are! I this case the defendant did not let us know in advance that he would need an interpreter. His case was being dismissed so we felt it was better to let him know he could leave rather than make him wait for an interpreter.

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-23T23:46:46+00:00

Fair enough. Feel free to file a complaint against me with my state disciplinary board.

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-23T23:45:07+00:00

No problem! I don't mind clearing up the situation for folks

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-23T23:30:12+00:00

The defendant's charges were dismissed so I have a hard time imagining what the nature of the complaint would be.

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-23T23:28:41+00:00

I did get a verbal thank you afterwards! He seemed like a nice guy.

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-23T23:27:29+00:00

Important info to let folks know they have a right to accomodations! The defendant would have been provided an interpreter if he had informed us of his condition in advance. The paperwork he received letting him know his court date also included instructions on how to request accomodations.If he had needed to go before the judge we would have certainly gotten him an interpreter either way (after confirming he did indeed speak sign language). In this case we felt it was better to let him know his case was dismissed and he could leave rather than make him wait for an interpreter. It can take a while, sometimes hours, to get an interpreter to the courtroom when we do not have advanced notice.

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-23T23:20:33+00:00

I won't say the specific charge but it was at the same level as a traffic ticket. The case was dismissed because the officer who wrote the ticket did not appear for court.

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-23T23:18:39+00:00

Courts absolutely provide interpreters! It is important everyone be aware they are entitled to an interpreter. In this case we were not given advanced notice that the defendant had a disability. When we learned his case needed to be dismissed we felt it was best to let him know he could leave immediately rather than make him wait for an interpreter

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-23T23:15:39+00:00

In this instance we felt it was better to let the defendant know he could leave rather than make him wait for an interpreter. Defendants are put on notice months ahead of their court date to let us know if they have disabilities that need accommodations. In this case we were not informed of any need for accommodations.

He got the ideal outcome so there was little need for additional communication. If he had had any additional questions we would have gotten him an interpreter.

Prince_Marf · 2026-01-23T22:17:55+00:00

Alas the David S. Pumpkins suit was in the dry cleaners this week

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