My deaf clients often tell me that communicating with police is difficult.

Very few police know American Sign Language (ASL), and problems will arise in tense situations where police rely on a deaf detainee's ability to read lips.

If there is shouting, or if it is dark, or if a speaking person is not facing the lip reader, or if there is a conversation between two people who are not facing the lip reader, or if the deaf person is scared, it becomes very difficult for a deaf detainee to understand what is happening. Lip reading is not easy under the best circumstances; during an arrest it is extremely difficult.

The Rochester Police Department made some efforts to improve communication with deaf persons. In May 2013, twenty deaf and hard of hearing persons graduated from the RPD Citizen's Academy. The RPD has also issued Deaf Driver Communication Cards, which can be picked up by presenting a valid Drivers License at either the Public Safety Building downtown, or at RRCD on Lyell Avenue. Deaf Driver Communication Cards don't fix the problem, but they might help defuse situations that can get tense very, very quickly.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing and you have been charged with a crime, you should know that law enforcement faces some practical challenges to prosecuting your case.

I try to make communication with you as easy as possible. Look around our site for:

If you are facing a DWI charge in or near Rochester, contact The Militello Law Firm for a free telephone consultation and case evaluation. Our phone number is (585) 485-0025.

Militello Law Firm

Deaf and charged with a DWI?

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