Court interpreter services provide language access to Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals involved in legal proceedings. Under federal law (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Court Interpreters Act of 1978), courts must provide qualified interpreters free of charge to parties, witnesses, and defendants who cannot adequately communicate in English.
14 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Determine if you need an interpreter — If you cannot understand, speak, read, or write English well enough to fully participate in court proceedings, you have the right to a qualified interpreter. ...
- Notify the court as early as possible — Request an interpreter at least 30 days before your court date. The earlier you request, the more likely the court can secure a qualified interpreter in your...
- Obtain the request form — Visit your court's website or clerk's office to get the interpreter request form. In California courts, this is form INT-300 (Request for Interpreter - Civil). Many courts...
- Complete and submit the form — Fill out the form with your case number, court date, language needed, and type of proceeding. Submit it to the courtroom clerk, window clerk, or via email to the cour...
- Confirm your interpreter — Follow up with the court a few days before your hearing to confirm an interpreter has been assigned. If the court cannot find an interpreter in your language, they may ar...
- Day of court — Arrive early. If you did not request an interpreter in advance, notify the courtroom clerk or magistrate immediately upon arrival that you need one. The court will attempt to arrange...
- Work effectively with your interpreter — Speak directly to the judge or attorney, not to the interpreter. Speak in short, clear sentences. The interpreter will translate everything said in the cour...
2. Key Details
- Free of charge Courts provide interpreters at no cost to the parties. You should never be asked to pay for a court interpreter.
- No friends or family as interpreters Courts generally do not allow friends, family members, or unqualified individuals to serve as interpreters in the courtroom. Court interpreters must be certified or qualified.
- Federal court interpreters The federal court system uses certified and professionally qualified interpreters. The Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination exists for Spanish; other languages use the "otherwise qua...
- Types of interpretation Courts use simultaneous interpretation (real-time, often with headset equipment), consecutive interpretation (speaker pauses after each segment for translation), and sight translation (reading a do...
- Languages covered Most courts can readily provide interpreters for common languages (Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Korean, Arabic). Less common languages may require telephonic or video remote interpretation (VRI).
- Immigration court USCIS and immigration courts have their own interpreter protocols. Respondents in immigration proceedings have the right to an interpreter but may need to arrange one themselves in some cases.
- Civil vs. criminal proceedings In criminal cases, the right to an interpreter is constitutionally protected (6th Amendment). In civil cases, the right is based on federal and state statutes, and coverage varies by state.
Common Mistakes
- Waiting until the court date to request an interpreter
- Bringing a bilingual friend or family member
- Speaking to the interpreter instead of the court
- Assuming the interpreter will help with legal advice
- Not disclosing language needs on initial court forms
Pro Tips
- Request a specific language dialect if needed
- Prepare your interpreter
- Request a continuance if no interpreter is available
- Know your rights in non-court legal settings
- For legal consultations with attorneys