General Information

Parties and witnesses involved in Sacramento Superior Court cases may request interpreter services for courtroom proceedings in all case types and for case-related activities such as mediation and self-help workshops in some case types. Court interpreter services are free.

Court interpreters help parties and witnesses understand what is happening in court so they can fully participate. They do not help parties complete or file court documents, provide legal advice, or refer parties to attorneys.

Court interpreters should be requested as early as possible to ensure they are available. Waiting to request a court interpreter may postpone court proceedings because an interpreter is unavailable.

Requesting an Interpreter

Please contact the Interpreter’s Office by phone or email to request an interpreter.

Contact
Phone: 916-874-8455
Email: interpreters@saccourt.ca.gov

Information needed when requesting an interpreter:

  • Language requested
  • Date of court proceeding
  • Time of court proceeding
  • Department number
  • Name of Party needing the interpreter
  • Case Number
  • Contact information of the requester

Family Law or Probate Requests

Please complete the Family Law and Probate Hearings interpreter request form to request an interpreter for a family law or probate matter.

How to Become a Court Interpreter

If you are interested in becoming a court interpreter, please see the information available on the Judicial Council’s Language Access page.

You may also contact the Interpreter’s Office at 916-874-8455.

How to File a Complaint

If you have a complaint about access to language services, you may submit a complaint by visiting the Judicial Council’s page for Court Interpreter Complaints. On this page, you will find instructions and forms in several languages.

The Language Access Representative will review and respond to all interpreter and language access complaints. The Court takes all complaints about language access very seriously and will appropriately address the concerns.

Please be aware that the Interpreters’ Office of Sacramento Superior Court does not have the authority to change or modify any decision made by a judicial officer and that its review of the complaint does not, in any way, affect or extend any applicable deadlines or procedural requirements such as filing motions, appeals, modifications, etc.

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan

The Sacramento Superior Court provides language access services to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) court users consistent with the Strategic Plan for Language Access in the California Courts. The plan addresses language access services and policies that affect LEP court users and language access procedures in the court. Please note: The multilingual legal glossaries referenced in the court's LEP Plan are not currently available.

Sacramento Superior Court Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan