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Court Interpreter Information

Interpreter Information

To help with communication during a court proceeding, court users may be provided the assistance of an interpreter at their request, free of charge. It is the responsibility of a court interpreter to bridge language barriers to ensure equal access to justice is being provided to all limited English proficient individuals or the hearing-impaired.

The Court is staffed with over 65 interpreters at 7 justice centers who, together with interpreters from neighboring courts and contract interpreters, provide access to justice in over 50 languages.

The Role of an Interpreter

Court interpreters must follow specific rules for what they can and can't do.

  • They will repeat to you, in your language, everything said in English by the judicial officer or other parties in the courtroom.  Everything you say in your language will be repeated back to the judicial officer or other parties in English.

    • This may be done in three (3) ways: simultaneous interpreting (at the same time people speak), consecutive interpreting (after someone speaks) and sight translation (translating written documents orally).

  • They will keep all communication between you and your lawyer confidential. 
  • They will disclose any conflict of interest they may have with your case. 

  • They will not give you legal advice.
  • They will not alter or omit anything that is said.
  • They will not answer any questions about what will happen during in the courtroom.

  • Should you have a question or if something is unclear, please raise your hand. The judicial officer will answer your question or concern in English and the interpreter will repeat it in your language. Do not ask the interpreter directly as they cannot answer.
  • Only speak in your language if you are assisted by an interpreter. Do not speak in English to the interpreter.
  • Please speak slowly and clearly to ensure the interpreter accurately interprets what you are saying.

Requesting an Interpreter

If you need an interpreter for your scheduled court hearing, please make your request at the time you appear for your court hearing, or contact the courtroom in advance to make the request. If you need an interpreter for any other court-provided service, including your visit to the Clerk's Office or Self-Help Services, inform court staff at the time you seek service.

The court will provide free interpreter services for the following mandated case types:

  • All Criminal, Traffic, and Juvenile cases.

  • Domestic Violence, Civil Harassment and Elder Abuse cases

  • Unlawful Detainers (evictions)

  • Termination of Parental Rights

  • Guardianships and Conservatorships

  • CARE Court cases

  • Family Law cases (custody or visitation)

The courts will also provide free interpreter services in the following case types as resources permit:

  • All other Family Law cases
  • All other Civil cases
  • All other Probate cases