Ask the court handling your case as soon as you know the hearing date. Tell the court the language and dialect you need, your case number, and the date of the hearing, then confirm that the request was received. California Courts says court interpreters are provided without charge in criminal proceedings and recommends making the request early through the court interpreter coordinator or language access representative. (California Courts: Ask for an interpreter)
For a Los Angeles Superior Court hearing, the court’s current interpreter request portal includes a Criminal case option. Have the case type, case number, and assigned courthouse ready. Elsewhere, ask the assigned court’s interpreter coordinator or clerk about its process, and have counsel confirm arrangements.
When you contact the court, identify the case and upcoming hearing, the language, and any dialect or regional variation that affects understanding. Ask how the court will confirm the arrangement. An interpreter translates communications in court; the interpreter does not provide legal advice or take the place of your lawyer.
If an interpreter is missing or you cannot understand
Tell your lawyer and the court promptly if no interpreter appears or if you cannot understand the interpretation. Do not silently proceed while key questions, rulings, or instructions are unclear. Your lawyer can raise the issue with the court and ask what should happen next. A late request may be harder for the court to fill, and a continuance is not automatic.
Do not assume that the Judicial Council’s INT-300 form is the required criminal-court request. The form is specifically titled “Request for Interpreter (Civil),” so use it only if the assigned court directs you to do so. (Judicial Council form INT-300)
This is about interpretation in a court proceeding, not translation during a police interview. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley’s arraignment information explains the initial court appearance. For help with an upcoming hearing, call (800) 755-5174.