Pennsylvania Judge Orders 3 Spanish-speaking Men to Learn English

Enter your search terms Submit search form

An American judge in a Pennsylvania court ordered three Spanish-speaking men to learn to speak English as part of a creative sentence.  The men faced prison terms for criminal conspiracy to commit robbery according to a report by the Associated Press.  The conspiracy involved a total of four men, however, the judge ordered three of the men immediately released on parole given they had served four months in confinement already provided they learn to read and write English, earn their GEDs, and get full time jobs. 

An attorney for at least one of the men suggested his client was very happy with the sentence he had received.  However, an appeal may be in order if the remaining offenders decide they would rather have the prison time or if upon review the sentencing is found to be unconstitutional. 

According to some legal opinions, the judge based his sentencing on the fact that all of the men needed translators when they pled guilty.  The constitutionality of such as sentence may lie in the question the  Luzerne County Judge Peter Paul Olszewski Jr., asked of the men, "Do you think we are going to supply you with a translator all of your life?"