Unethical Document Signing Concerns

Summary

You were pressured into signing a document for a hearing you did not attend. Document all details, report the incident to your agency, and consult a legal ethics attorney to understand your rights and obligations.

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I work as a courthouse interpreter. One day, I was at one courthouse. Once I finished, my agency asked me to go to the second courthouse. They didn't have a case to assign me, but they asked me to go anyway and check if the court still needed an interpreter. I went to the second courthouse, already exhausted. I arrived and I found out the clerk. She ordered me to sign a form saying that I had assisted a quick trial. She said the quick trial had ended. It was drink driving case. The suspect had brought his own lawyer who translated for him. The suspect conceded to the offence, and accepted a plea bargain for a reduced penalty and accepted a fine and the removal of his driving licence. Paula said she understood the suspect, but the prosecutor insisted on having an interpreter sign it. She intimidated me into signing the form for a hearing that I had never attended.
It sounds like you were pressured into signing a document under potentially unethical circumstances. Here are some general steps you can take:
- Document everything: Write down all details, dates, and names involved while it’s still fresh.
- Report the incident: Consider informing your agency about what happened. They may provide guidance or support.
- Seek legal advice: Consult a lawyer specializing in employment or legal ethics to understand any obligations or protections you may have.
Would you like guidance on how to find a lawyer?