7QUESTIONS+PLUS

Susan Rosas, a translator in the Kenosha County Circuit Court system, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and has lived in Kenosha since she was 5 years old. The 46-year-old Rosas credits her Spanish teachers, Miss Mosher and Mr. McCarthy, who had a real enthusiasm for language, for getting her to where she is today.

Susan Rosas will now take your questions ...

How does one land a job translating for the courts?

It helps if you have had previous experience interpreting in a formal setting. You have to have good nerves, be impartial and be able to speak and listen at the same time. Wisconsin now offers an orientation and training program for persons wishing to work as a court interpreter. Information on that program can be found at www.wicourts.gov.

What languages do you speak?

I speak English and Spanish and can recognize maybe 100 words of French.

How do you remain objective or keep your emotions in check when translating for some of the worst offenders?

I remind myself that the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty, that I was not present when the alleged offense took place so I have no idea if the charges are true or not, and that it is not my business to judge the defendant. I am only paid to facilitate communication between the defendant and the officers of the court.

What’s the most fascinating or interesting case for which you’ve been asked to help translate?

I would not use either of those adjectives to describe the cases that I have worked on. I interpret for lot of run-of-the-mill driving without a license cases. Those are pretty basic. Middle ground would be the drunk driving, hit and run, and identity charges. Those are best described as worrisome. The worst cases are just plain sad and stressful for everyone involved. If I had to pick a recent case that sounds fascinating, I would say the (Mark) Jensen case. I have not worked on that case because no interpreter is needed but the details made public are quite interesting.

You’re often translating something for a client while the attorney is asking you a question at the same time. What strategies do you use to continue listening to the proceedings while conveying accurate translations?

I don’t know that there is a specific strategy that I use. You really have to be able to speak, think and listen at the same time. I sometimes have to ask people to speak up and speak slower. As long as I can hear what is being said and the speaker is not talking too fast, I am good.

How do you unwind after a day in the courtroom?

I have been doing a lot of gardening this summer and I really enjoy that. I am not a fan of Wisconsin winters, so I read a lot and work on crafts during the cold months. I’m trying to get in better shape so I make myself exercise whether I feel like it or not.

With all the court jargon flying around, what’s the most difficult concept to translate?

I guess there are two things that frequently confuse the defendants I interpret for. The first is that in accepting a plea agreement made by the District Attorney’s office, there is not guarantee that the presiding judge will follow that agreement an or/sentence recommendation. It is up to the judge to decide what the penalty should be for each offense. Many time defendants are surprised that even with a plea agreement there is no guarantee that the judge will sentence per the plea agreement. The second thing that surprises defendants is that their court interpreter cannot advise them as to how they proceed with their case. The court interpreter is provided for interpreting only and cannot give advice.

What’s the strangest thing a client or an attorney has asked you to translate or explain?

The oddest comment that i can recall was when a defendant stated that the State of Wisconsin was violating his civil right by not allowing him to drive without having a valid driver’s license.

Do you have any other jobs besides translating?

Yes, I work as a night auditor at a local hotel.

What book are you currently reading?

Why did you pick it up? I’m almost done re-reading Stephen King’s “It.” I’ve read it before but the author is so wordy (it’s a really long book) that I find phrases (sometimes paragraphs) that I missed before.

What do you enjoy most about Kenosha?

I love the fact that we have really grown. More job, more shopping, more restaurants, more things to do. The lakefront renovation is wonderful, also.

What one movie will you drop everything to watch if it comes on TV?

No favorite movie. I could name a current favorite song — Calle 13’s “Tango Del Pecado,” or a favorite food — anything with cheese in it if I am splurging, or Chinese food otherwise.

If you could have one wish granted, what would that wish be?

I wish I owned a home in Bradenton, Fla. I hope to move there within the next five years.

If you could swap places with anyone for one day, whom would you choose and why?

I would like to spend a day working as a licensed massage therapist to get a feel for the job. I plan to go back to school in a year to study this.

What is your favorite travel destination?

The Gulf Coast of Florida. I am a heat and humidity lover and already have warned my husband to prepare to move south in a few years. I want to leave this world tan, warm and coco-nutty.

What’s some good advice you’ve received?
Here’s a couple of her favorites:
* Just about anything is fixable if you throw enough time/money/effort at it (spoken like a true homeowner). But some things are just not worth fixing.
* There are times when it is best to speak up and times when it is best to keep your mouth shut.
* You really can’t please everyone no matter how hard you try.
* Drink water, eat fruit, enjoy moderate exercise, avoid sugary drinks like the plague, and lay off the cheese.