Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara Announces Release of Pre-Recorded Traffic Arraignment Speeches in Multiple Languages

SAN JOSÉ, California (September 13, 2024): In an ongoing effort to promote equity and enhance language access within the judicial system, the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara is proud to announce the release of pre-recorded traffic arraignment speeches in English, Mandarin, Tagalog, Korean, Farsi, Punjabi, Spanish, and Vietnamese. This initiative aims to ensure a clear understanding of the judicial process for all residents, regardless of their primary language.

“Our goal is to make the judicial process accessible and understandable for everyone in our community,” said Hon. Beth McGowen, Presiding Judge.  “By providing traffic arraignment information in multiple languages, we are taking a significant step towards promoting equity and inclusivity in our court system.”

The pre-recorded speeches cover essential points of the traffic arraignment process, including an overview of Constitutional Rights and procedural information. Key highlights include:

1. Constitutional Rights: Individuals are informed of their right to have an attorney present, their right to a speedy and public court trial, the presumption of innocence, the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, and the right to remain silent.

2. Trial and Sentencing: Information on the process for entering pleas, the potential for traffic school to avoid points on a driver’s license, and the implications of a speeding citation, including potential suspension of driving privileges.

3. Correctable Offenses: Guidance on addressing “fix it” tickets, such as driving without a license or insurance, and the procedures for providing proof of correction to potentially dismiss the case.

4. Fines and Fees: Options for payment, including the availability of payment plans and the ability to request a stay on payments, ensuring flexibility for individuals facing financial difficulties.

By providing this information in multiple languages, the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara ensures that non-English speaking residents have access to crucial information that affects their rights and responsibilities in traffic court. This effort is part of a broader commitment to improving public engagement and trust through clear and accessible communication.

The pre-recorded traffic arraignment speeches are available on the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara’s official website and YouTube Channel. Residents are encouraged to utilize these resources to better understand the judicial process and their rights within the traffic court system.