Program History
The Interpreter Management Program was established to provide assistance to non-English speaking (NES) parties. Language interpreters are provided at the expense of the NC Judicial Branch in cases dealing with indigent criminal defendants, juveniles, domestic violence, involuntary commitments, and custody mediation.
The purpose of the Interpreter Management Program is to:
- Ensure that language does not create a barrier to accessibility or impede the administration of justice.
- Make certain that only competent and skilled interpreters serve NES parties.
- Eliminate the unethical and illegal activity of those who seek personal gain at the expense of unknowing and unsuspecting NES defendants.
- Verify the accuracy and completeness of all fee applications.
- Maximize the utilization of contract resources and reduce operational costs to the State and taxpayers.
The
"Twenty-Sixth Judicial District Policies And Procedures For Language Interpreters And Providers Of Services To The Hearing Impaired (Revised 1 April 2004)" establishes minimum requirements for language interpreters serving the Court.
Spanish Interpreters
All Spanish language interpreters appearing before the Court, either in civil or criminal matters must be registered with the AOC–Interpreting services (hyperlink web link:
"Required Registration for NC Court Interpreting"), either a Level A,B, or C; and list as Mecklenburg county as a district willing to serve. After being placed on this list, the interpreter should contact the Interpreter Manager for a meeting. The Interpreter Manager and interpreter will go over procedures and policies specific for Mecklenburg County.
Non-Spanish Interpreters
All non-Spanish requests (hyperlink to request form:
"Request for Non-Spanish Interpreter") must be submitted to the Interpreter Manager. The Interpreter Manager will forward request with appropriate documentation to Courtney Lyman with AOC Interpreting Services for interpreter designation.
Anyone interested in becoming a Non-Spanish interpreter should contact AOC Interpreting Services regarding proper registration and testing.
ADA Accommodations (ASL interpreters, etc)
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and local ADA policies (hyperlink to policies:
"Court Interpreter Policies"), the Court provides reasonable accommodations to ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully and fairly participate in its programs, services, and activities. American Sign Language and oral interpreters, caption note takers, and Communication Access Realtime Translation providers used to make ADA accommodations may bill for parking and mileage expenses along with the agreed upon hourly rate. All parking expenses must be documented with a receipt.
The Interpreter Manager serves as the ADA Coordinator for the Court. Any
request for ADA accommodations shall be submitted to the Interpreter Manager at least 48 hours prior to the date when the accommodation will be needed. The accommodations can include, but are not limited to, American Sign Language interpreters, Caption Note Taking, Communication Access Realtime Translation, Oral Interpreters, and Assistive Listening Devices.
Contact Information
Trial Court Administrator's Office
Maura E. Chavez, Interpreter Manager
832 East Fourth Street, Rm 4420
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Phone: 704-686-0268 (office)
704-686-0340 (fax)