Right now all eyes are on the case of a deaf inmate in Texas, who may or may not be guilty of sexually assaulting a child. Among other facts in the case, the inmate was questioned for 18 hours, about half of which was without an interpreter. Stressed and under pressure, he confessed to the crime, while simultaneously denying he had done it. Plus, there is no physical evidence tying him to the crime, and a fingerprint belonging to another criminal was found. Efforts are under way to free him.
I was recently accused of a crime I am not guilty of. I was denied an interpreter when I requested one, and even showed my Deaf Service card stating to notify an interpreter prior to questioning. I was denied, Taken into custody and placed in a high risk lock up where I was again denied an interpreter. My Miranda rights were not given–or if they were I could not Hear them. I was again denied an interprter at the detention center, And, when I requested one I was told to shut up and go lay down on the floor that they assigned as a bed for prisonerss.
I’m very sorry to hear the treatment you are receiving in jail. Our president says we are not treating illigal immigrants failry. They have their rights even if they are breaking the law by being here. How about fairness in you case. How in the world do they expect you to defend yourself because of your hearing. Lip reading only goes so far and after 1 hour You had to be worn out. I pray they will treat your disability fairly and get you an interpreter ASAP. I hope it all works out for you.