Washington State Court Interpreter Program
The right to interpreters in criminal proceedings and for indigent persons is fundamental. To meet constitutional and statutory mandates, Washington courts provide interpreters and carry out a program to enhance the availability of quality interpreter services. The trial courts hire and schedule interpreters for trials and other hearings.
The Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) supports the trial courts and strives to ensure high quality interpreter services by administering statewide programs including:
- State funding of interpreters in the trial courts. Through legislative appropriation the state provides partial funding for trial court interpreter services and programs. The funds are channeled through the AOC which allocates them to selected courts based on need and on the court's commitment to improve the quality of interpreter services (for example, by using certified and registered interpreters).
- Testing and credentialing Certified, Registered, and American Sign Language interpreters. The AOC:
- Works with private and public educational institutions to establish a certification preparation curriculum.
- Adopts standards of proficiency, written and oral, in English and the language to be interpreted.
- Conducts periodic examinations.
- Maintains and disseminates a current list of certified and registered interpreters.
The Interpreter Commission develops policies for the Interpreter Program, deals with interpreter issues and discipline, and develops and maintains program standards in education and testing.
The strategic direction for the Interpreter Program is found in state statute and court rule:
- RCW Chapter 2.42 secures the rights of deaf and hearing impaired persons to interpreters.
- RCW Chapter 2.43 secures the rights of non-English speaking and limited English speaking persons.
- GR (General Rule) 11 establishes the Interpreter Commission and a Code of Conduct for Court Interpreters.
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| Search for Interpreters |
To search the AOC's database of certified and registered interpreters, enter:
- The language you are looking for – for a statewide list.
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- The language and county, city, or zip (either 5 digit or first 3 digits of the 5 digit zip).
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- The interpreter’s name, if you know it.
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For more information:
Certified, Registered, and American Sign Language Interpreters
Interpreter Commission
Interpreter Funding and Language Assistance Plans
The Court Forms pages have forms available in Spanish and other languages for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Vulnerable Adult protection orders.
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