WILKES-BARRE, Pa. -- A judge in Pennsylvania gave three Spanish-speaking men a choice: Learn English or go to jail.
The men faced prison terms for criminal conspiracy to commit robbery.
But the judge said they can stay on parole if they learn to read and write English, earn their GEDs and get full-time jobs.
During a court hearing this week in which the men pleaded guilty, they needed translators.
Judge Peter Olszewski said, "Do you think we are going to supply you with a translator all of your life?"
Attorneys for the men said they're studying the legality of the ruling, and that they haven't decided whether to appeal.
But one attorney said his client is happy.
"I think it's going to help him," the lawyer said.
The men faced prison terms for criminal conspiracy to commit robbery.
But the judge said they can stay on parole if they learn to read and write English, earn their GEDs and get full-time jobs.
During a court hearing this week in which the men pleaded guilty, they needed translators.
Judge Peter Olszewski said, "Do you think we are going to supply you with a translator all of your life?"
Attorneys for the men said they're studying the legality of the ruling, and that they haven't decided whether to appeal.
But one attorney said his client is happy.
"I think it's going to help him," the lawyer said.
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