Our Programs

Language Access

Why Language Access Matters
for Arkansas Courts

When people can’t understand court documents or processes, it creates problems for everyone—including the courts themselves. Research shows that providing translated forms and plain language materials doesn’t just help individuals navigate the justice system; it directly improves court operations.

The Impact on Court Efficiency:

  • 86% reduction in failures to appear when defendants receive forms in their language¹
  • 60.9% increase in fine and fee collection in the first year after implementing translations²
  • Fewer continuances and delays, saving court staff time and reducing case backlogs³
  • Reduced staff workload from processing fewer missed appearance warrants and rescheduled hearings⁴

Clear communication isn’t just about fairness—it improves outcomes for everyone involved in the court system.

When someone misses a court date, it costs the court time and money. Staff must:

  • Issue and process failure-to-appear warrants
  • Reschedule hearings (taking up limited court time)
  • Send additional notices
  • Answer questions from confused or frustrated defendants who didn’t understand what was required

235,000+ Arkansans speak a language other than English at home⁵

38% of Arkansas adults read at approximately a 5th-grade level, meaning many struggle with the complex legal documents and court forms they encounter⁶

86% reduction in missed court dates when forms are provided in defendants’ native languages¹

60.9% increase in fine and fee collection in the first year after implementing translations²

The Berryville District Court
Success Story

Since late 2023, Judge Dale Ramsey and Chief Clerk Rexanna Lilly at Berryville District Court have provided translated court forms in Spanish, Marshallese, Karen, and Chuukese—the languages most commonly spoken in Carroll County.

The results:²

  • Failures to appear dropped 86% among LEP defendants
  • Fee and fine collections from LEP individuals increased 60.9% in year one
  • Collections continued to grow: 55.4% increase in year two, 16.6% in year three
  • 224 of 230 requested forms completed and in use

“When people can understand their court obligations in their own language, they’re better able to meet them.”

These improvements benefit everyone: defendants understand their responsibilities, and courts operate more efficiently with fewer missed appearances and better compliance.

Read Full Report

Our Translation Services

We translate essential court forms and courthouse signage into the languages spoken in your community. These materials help ensure:

  • Defendants understand their rights and obligations
  • Court dates and requirements are clear
  • Instructions for payment, community service, and other court orders are accessible
  • Courthouse navigation is easier for all visitors

Currently Available Languages:

  • Spanish
  • Marshallese
  • Karen
  • Chuukese
  • Additional languages available upon request

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The Cost of Missed Appearances

Research from the National Center for State Courts shows that missed appearances create significant costs for courts:⁴

Direct Costs per Missed Appearance:

  • Staff time: preparing files, calling cases, processing warrants
  • Judicial time: reviewing cases, issuing orders, rescheduling
  • Administrative costs: notices, documentation, calendar management

Estimated cost per missed appearance: $15–$23⁴

Hidden Costs:

  • Staff morale and burnout from repetitive, frustrating work³
  • Public trust in the legal system when people feel courts are confusing or unfair⁴
  • Jail transport and booking costs when warrants are issued³
  • Lost time that could be spent on other cases⁴

When courts invest in language access, they save money and operate more efficiently.

Plain Language Matters Too

Even for English speakers, legal jargon creates barriers. Court notices, forms, and instructions written in plain language help everyone:

  • Understand what’s required of them
  • Know when and where to appear
  • Follow through on court obligations
  • Feel respected by the justice system

Plain language reduces confusion, improves compliance, and demonstrates that courts are working for the people they serve.

Partner With Us

If your court is ready to improve language access and see better outcomes, we’re here to help.

We can assist with:

  • Translating commonly used court forms
  • Identifying which languages are most needed in your jurisdiction
  • Creating plain language versions of notices and instructions
  • Analyzing your court’s appearance rates and collection data
  • Connecting you with resources and best practices

The investment in translation pays for itself through:

  • Reduced failures to appear
  • Improved fine and fee collection
  • Less staff time on administrative tasks
  • Better court efficiency overall

Contact Our Language Access Team

Have questions about language access, or need translated forms for your court?

Edith Chavez De Oseguera
Free Legal Answers Administrator & Language Access Liaison
edith@arkansasjustice.org

Citations:

  1. Post, Matt. Fines, Fees, and FTAs: The Impact of Translated Court Forms. Arkansas Access to Justice Commission, 2025, p. 20-22.
  2. Ibid, p. 20-21.
  3. Wirkus, Andy, Hannah Makowske, and Zachary Zarnow. Missing In Actions: How Low Appearance Rates Impact Courts. National Center for State Courts, December 2025, p. 21-23.
  4. Ibid, p. 33-40.
  5. U.S. Census Bureau. “2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates.” Table S1601: Language Spoken at Home. Data retrieved from data.census.gov, 2024.
  6. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. “Comparison Charts of State and County Estimates: U.S. States.” U.S. Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), 2012/2014/2017, p. 8. https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/piaac/skillsmap