Program Description

Court interpreting services are provided to all Criminal divisions in the Circuit, County and Juvenile Courts as well as Mental Health hearings.

Services Provided

Qualified language and sign interpreters for non-English speaking and hearing impaired individuals are ordered by the Court as mandated by Florida Statutes 90.606 and 90.6063. Sign language interpreters for hearing impaired individuals are also provided under the provisions of American with Disability Act for all Courts by calling the ADA Coordinator of the 15th Circuit at (561) 355-4380.

The 15th Circuit employs fifteen full-time staff interpreters as well as qualified freelance interpreters with services available in all court locations. "Language Line" services are also available when necessary. The need for interpreting services in criminal cases is first identified at First Appearance and flagged for future calendar proceedings. If you have a need for these services you may contact our office at (561) 355-2434.

Cost of Services

None.

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

What are the functions of Court Interpreters?

Court Interpreters are responsible for the accurate interpretation and translation of verbal and written communications from a source language (non-English) to a target language (English) in matters related to judicial proceedings. They facilitate communication between two or more parties in an impartial manner and do not serve as an advocate or perform clerical functions for the party requesting the interpreter.

How do I obtain an interpreter for court?

Interpreters are provided in all criminal and juvenile divisions of court. If you need an interpreter, call 561-355-2434 at least one week in advance of any court appearance. Language interpreters are not provided for any civil proceedings. If you have a civil proceeding, you will be required to provide your own interpreter.

Can Court Interpreters reveal any information heard during the translation?

NO. The confidentiality privilege that exists between an attorney and a client also extends to Court Interpreters. Any information exchanged by the parties may be not revealed. As Officers of the Court they are held to a high professional standard of conduct and code of ethics.

What are the primary languages translated in Palm Beach County?

The majority of interpretations are made in Spanish and Haitian Creole, followed by French, Portuguese and Russian.

For whom does the Department provide services and what kinds of proceedings are interpreted?

Services are provided for judges, general masters and hearing officers, as well as for the State Attorney and Public Defender's Offices. The majority of appearances are made in Criminal Court followed by Juvenile, County Civil, Family, Domestic Violence and Child Support cases.

What is the difference between "simultaneous" and "consecutive" interpreting?

Simultaneous interpreting is performed continuously (at the same time someone is speaking.) Consecutive interpreting, which is necessary whenever testimony is given, is the translation of statements after someone has spoken (with pauses between completed statements.)

What are the qualifications for serving as a Court Interpreter for the 15th Judicial Circuit of Florida?

Anyone interested in serving as a court interpreter for the 15th Judicial Circuit of Florida must complete an application and deliver it to the

Additionally, the applicant must attend an orientation workshop and satisfactorily pass a written exam and oral language exam given by the Office of the State Courts Administrator. For more information and to obtain training/testing dates in your area, please visit The Florida State Court’s website at http://www.flcourts.org/gen_public/interpret/index.shtml