Attorneys and clients bring Mikhail Bogomolny in when a translation or an interpretation in their case is disputed: a mistranslated document, testimony that was interpreted incorrectly in court or immigration court, or a misunderstanding at an interview. He prepares a written expert opinion, usually as a signed declaration, explaining what was actually said or written, how it was rendered and how it should be understood, and he can testify about it.
When an expert opinion helps
- Testimony in state court or immigration court that was interpreted incorrectly or incompletely
- USCIS interview records and sworn statements that don't match what the applicant said
- Written translations of evidence, contracts or records that misstate the original
- DMV hearings in DUI matters, and other settings where interpreted words were later relied on
- Idioms, regional usage and words with no direct English equivalent that changed the meaning
What the opinion covers
- The sourceWhat was said or written in Russian, Ukrainian or Hebrew, from the recording, transcript or document.
- The renderingHow it was translated or interpreted, and where that departs from the original.
- The correct meaningAn accurate English rendering with the linguistic reasons: vocabulary, grammar, register, regional usage and context.
- Why it mattersHow the error could lead to a misunderstanding, from the language standpoint only and without legal conclusions.
Why his opinion carries weight
A certified court interpreter
Certified by the Judicial Council of California and registered in New York: the qualification courts themselves rely on for Russian.
He knows how errors happen
Mikhail has interpreted in U.S. immigration court, beside the judge, and at more than 750 USCIS interviews and hundreds of hearings and depositions. He knows where interpretation goes wrong in real time.
Forensic linguistics and law
A Forensic Linguistics Certificate (London College of Foreign Trade), an Immigration Law Specialist Certificate and Harvard Law School online programs. A rare combination for an interpreter: the opinion rests on linguistic analysis and on an understanding of the legal context.
Clear, signed and defensible
Written in plain English for judges and officers, signed as a declaration, and supported by testimony when needed.
Where his opinions have been used
State courts, immigration court proceedings, DMV hearings in DUI cases and other settings. To start, send the recording, transcript or document, the translation in question and the deadline. Fees are discussed by phone or email.
Frequently asked questions
Does Mikhail take a side?
No. The opinion addresses language only: what was said and what it means. The analysis is the same whichever side asks for it, and it contains no legal conclusions.
Can the opinion be used in immigration court?
Yes. Opinions are prepared as signed declarations for the attorney to file, and Mikhail can testify if needed.
What materials are needed?
The original audio or video if there is one, the transcript or written record, the disputed translation, and any context the attorney can share.
How long does it take?
It depends on the volume of material. Deadlines are agreed at the start.