3.4.1 Use of Criminal Conviction Records in the BEI Certification Process
Criminal convictions, as evidenced by criminal conviction records, may be used to deny an application for DARS DHHS interpreter certification or as a basis for a disciplinary action against a DARS DHHS certificate holder, in accordance with DARS rules 40 TAC Section 101.1211 and Section 109.227. In such cases, individuals will be given notice of the alleged violations and opportunity to respond and to request a hearing on the allegations and proposed action.
3.4.2 Analysis of Criminal Convictions Records
The decision of whether an applicant or certificate holder is qualified to be certified as a DARS DHHS certificate holder or to maintain a DARS DHHS certificate, in light of the convictions specific to that individual, may be based on any of the following factors:
- the recommendation of the BEI Advisory Board;
- the nature and seriousness of the crime;
- the relationship of the crime to the purposes for requesting to become a certified interpreter;
- the extent to which being a certified interpreter might afford an opportunity to repeat the crime;
- the relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity, or fitness required to perform the duties and discharge the responsibilities of a certified interpreter;
- the age of the person at the time of the crime;
- the amount of time that has passed since the person's most recent criminal activity;
- the conduct and work activity of the person before and after the crime;
- evidence of the person's rehabilitation or rehabilitative effort while incarcerated or following release;
- other evidence of the person's present fitness, including letters of recommendation from
- prosecution, law enforcement, or correctional officers who had responsibility for the person; and
- sheriff or chief of police in the community where the person resides; and
- any other individual in contact with the person; and
- any other factor that it is reasonably determined is relevant to the individual's qualifications to serve as a BEI certified interpreter.
3.4.3 Requests for Additional Information Regarding Criminal Convictions
In reviewing, investigating, or analyzing criminal conviction records, a DARS DHHS staff member may request information from the applicant or certificate holder regarding the convictions, circumstances relating to the convictions, and any information relating to the individual's circumstances since the convictions.
Applicants and certificate holders with criminal conviction records are required to report such conviction records to DARS DHHS at the time of application for testing or for certification, including at the time of five-year renewal or annual maintenance. Additionally, such individuals must report any criminal convictions to DARS DHHS in a timely manner whenever they occur.
Individuals must provide DARS DHHS with any requested information related to criminal convictions within 30 days of the date of the written request from DARS DHHS for that information. Failure to submit the information within the stated deadline may result in DARS DHHS denying an application or proposing disciplinary action against a certificate holder under 40 TAC Section 101.1211 or 40 TAC Section 109.227.