Court Interpreter Services: How to Request One

If you do not speak English well, or if you are deaf or hard of hearing, a court hearing can be confusing even when everything goes smoothly. A qualified court interpreter makes sure you understand what is said and that the judge understands you. This guide explains how court interpreters work, how to ask for one, and what to watch for.

The exact process depends on the court. Federal courts follow federal law and policy. State and local courts have their own rules and programs. The steps below are general.

Why courts use trained interpreters

The U.S. Courts page on federal court interpreters says the use of competent interpreters in proceedings involving speakers of languages other than English is critical to ensure that justice is carried out fairly. It explains that courtroom communication can be more complex than everyday conversation, with legal terms, formal and informal speech, dialects, and fine shades of meaning.

That is the main reason courts generally do not want a friend or family member to interpret. A relative may mean well but miss legal terms, soften bad news, or have their own interest in the case.

Federal courts: what the law says

The same U.S. Courts page explains that the Court Interpreters Act, 28 U.S.C. §1827, gives the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts the job of setting the qualifications of certified interpreters. The Act covers people who speak only or primarily a language other than English, and people who are hearing impaired, in judicial proceedings instituted by the United States.

Federal courts classify interpreters into three categories:

• Certified interpreters have passed the federal certification exam. The page says certification programs have been developed for Spanish, Navajo, and Haitian Creole, and that the Navajo and Haitian Creole programs are no longer offered.
• Professionally qualified interpreters work in other languages and meet specific criteria, such as passing certain government or international interpreter tests.
• Language skilled (ad hoc) interpreters do not meet those criteria but show the court they can interpret proceedings in both directions.

If you have a case in federal court, tell your lawyer or the clerk's office as early as possible what language you need.

State and local courts

Most legal matters — family cases, traffic tickets, evictions, many criminal cases — are in state or local courts. Each state runs its own interpreter program and sets its own request process. Many state court websites have a page about language access or interpreters, often with a request form.

USAGov's page on federal, state, and local courts explains that you may be able to find your county or municipal court through your state court website. That is usually a good place to start.

How to request an interpreter

While the details vary, the request usually works like this:

1. Ask early. Contact the court as soon as you know your hearing date. Rare languages can take time to arrange.
2. Use the court's process. Look for a form or instructions on the court's website, or call or visit the clerk's office. Have your case number ready.
3. Name the exact language and dialect. "Spanish" may be enough, but for some languages the dialect matters a great deal.
4. Say which hearings you need help with. Ask whether the request covers all future hearings or must be repeated.
5. Tell your lawyer. If you have an attorney, they can make or confirm the request and raise any problems with the judge.
6. Keep a record. Write down who you talked to and when, or keep a copy of the form you submitted.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing

Sign language interpretation is also covered by disability rights law. The ADA's page on effective communication explains that state and local governments must communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities. It lists aids such as qualified sign language interpreters and real-time captioning. Our guide on court accommodations for disabilities explains how to ask for these.

What to do at the hearing

• Speak to the judge, not the interpreter. Answer questions directly, in your own words.
• Wait for the full interpretation before you answer.
• Say so if you do not understand. You can tell the judge that you did not understand a question or the interpreter.
• Do not guess. If you are unsure what was asked, say that.

If you believe the interpretation was wrong in a way that matters, tell your lawyer right away. If you do not have a lawyer, you can tell the judge during the hearing. Problems are much easier to fix in the moment than later.

Interpreters are not your lawyer

A court interpreter's job is to interpret accurately and stay neutral. They cannot give you legal advice, tell you how to answer, or explain what you should do. If you need advice, talk to a licensed attorney. Many law offices have staff or lawyers who speak other languages — you can ask when you call.

Questions to ask the court or your lawyer

• Is there a cost for the interpreter in this type of case?
• Is the interpreter available for meetings outside the courtroom, such as mediation?
• Will court documents be available in my language, or only spoken interpretation?
• What should I do if the interpreter does not arrive?

Free and low-cost help

If you need a lawyer and cannot afford one, the USAGov legal aid page lists programs such as the Legal Services Corporation and LawHelp.org. If your case involves immigration, our page on immigration lawyers explains what they handle. For more background, see our legal guides.

Frequently asked questions

Can my family member interpret for me in court?

Courts generally prefer trained interpreters because legal language is complex and family members may not be neutral. Ask the court what its rules allow.

Do I have to pay for a court interpreter?

It depends on the court and the type of case. Ask the clerk's office or your lawyer before your hearing.

What languages are available?

Courts work with interpreters in many languages, but rare languages can take longer to arrange. Federal courts say certification programs exist for a few languages, with other categories used for the rest.

Can the interpreter help me fill out forms?

An interpreter's role is to interpret, not to give legal advice. For help with forms, ask whether the court has a self-help center, or contact a lawyer or legal aid office.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.