The Oklahoma Supreme Court has suspended courtroom interpreter Nathalie Perez for one year after finding she misrepresented her ability to meet continuing education requirements. This ruling, made on June 30, 2026, affects Perez's professional standing and highlights the importance of integrity among courtroom interpreters.
The case, titled State Board of Examiners of Certified Courtroom Interpreters v. Perez, was filed under docket number 123479. The court's decision emphasizes the need for courtroom interpreters to maintain accurate records and uphold their professional responsibilities.
Background
Nathalie Perez has been a registered courtroom interpreter in the Spanish language since November 23, 2015. The State Board of Examiners of Certified Courtroom Interpreters oversees the certification and conduct of interpreters in Oklahoma. The board is responsible for enforcing rules and regulations that govern interpreter conduct, including the requirement for continuing education.
The dispute arose when Perez submitted a request for exemption from continuing education requirements for the year 2025. She claimed she was medically unable to work or attend continuing education due to health issues. However, the Board found that Perez had worked as an interpreter throughout 2024, which contradicted her claims.
The Board initiated a formal complaint against Perez in April 2025, based on allegations of misrepresentation in her exemption request. Following a disciplinary hearing, the Board recommended that the court revoke her enrollment as a registered courtroom interpreter.
The Ruling
The Oklahoma Supreme Court reviewed the case and ultimately ruled that Perez's actions warranted suspension rather than revocation. The court stated, "The court, parties, and counsel all depend on the integrity of courtroom interpreters to administer justice." The court found that Perez had violated the rules by submitting a false sworn statement regarding her medical condition.
While the Board had recommended revocation, the court decided on a one-year suspension, starting from the date of her administrative suspension on June 23, 2025. The court noted that Perez could seek reinstatement of her credentials after the suspension period.
Impact
This ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in the field of courtroom interpretation. It underscores the need for interpreters to adhere to the rules set forth by the State Board of Examiners of Certified Courtroom Interpreters. The court's decision to suspend rather than revoke Perez's credentials indicates a willingness to allow for rehabilitation while still holding interpreters accountable for their actions.
The case may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, reinforcing the expectation that courtroom interpreters must maintain accurate representations of their qualifications and abilities. This ruling could also influence how the Board approaches future disciplinary actions, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations and fair hearings.
What's Next
Perez has the option to appeal the court's decision, but details regarding any potential appeal were not available in the court filing. There are currently no related cases pending that have been mentioned in connection with this ruling.