The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require "certified" interpreter but requires "qualified" interpreter. The U.S. Department of Justice defines “qualified interpreter” to mean a person who is able to convey communications effectively, accurately and impartially, and use any necessary specialized vocabulary. If your state has a certification and/or licensure law, then that interpreter must be certified. If no state has a certification and/or licensure law, the “qualified interpreter” applies.
ADA does not require all situations to have interpreting services but to have effective communications. Regardless of the situation, it must be communication accessible. The law is also clear when an interpreting service must be used. In the OP’s and other posters’ situation, yes…..court must provided qualified interpreters for any court proceedings but you do not need an interpreter to talk with the clerk (the clerk is required by law provide effective communications via paper/pen, gesture, computer, etc). Police do not have to provide interpreter service if you are being pulled over for a traffic ticket however, they must provide you with an interpreter if you are being interrogated or interviewed as a witness to a crime.
Title II of the ADA covers only local and state governments which also include, court houses, police stations, sheriffs, jails (there is more but I am focused only on the questions raised by the OP).
Title III of the ADA covers public accommodations such as hospitals, health clinics, dentists, eye doctors (there is more on that list but I am focused only on the questions raised by the OP).
There is a lot more to discuss regarding this issue but I will just give you links for further information:
ADA Tool Kit: Chapter 3, General Effective Communication Requirements Under Title II of the ADA General Effective Communication Requirements Under Title II of the ADA
http://www.ada.gov/lawenfcomm.pdf Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: ADA Guide for Law Enforcement Officers
ADA Home Page - ada.gov - Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA Home Page
