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Interpreter Information

Interpreter Information

Obtaining interpreter services

San Joaquin County Superior Court has expanded the case types for which interpreters are available in accordance with AB 1657. Interpreters are available for litigants, defendants, and witnesses in all cases. The California Constitution requires that a person charged with a crime who is unable to understand English has the right to an interpreter throughout the proceedings.

Interpreters are available to assist in the case types listed below. Request a court interpreter as early as possible to help ensure availability.

  • Appeals cases
  • Civil cases
  • Criminal cases
  • Family law cases
  • Juvenile delinquency cases
  • Juvenile dependency cases
  • Probate cases
  • Restraining order cases
  • Small claims cases
  • Traffic cases
  • Unlawful detainer (landlord/tenant) cases

Waiting to request an interpreter may result in your court proceeding being postponed if an interpreter is not available.

If you need an interpreter outside the courtroom, you may hire a court-certified or registered interpreter authorized to provide interpretation services in California. Use the California Courts interpreter search. Payment for these services is the responsibility of the party requesting the interpreter.

How to request an interpreter

For criminal, traffic, infraction, juvenile delinquency, or juvenile dependency cases:

Include the following information in your request:

  • Language needed
  • Name of the person needing the interpreter
  • Case number, if assigned
  • Date and time the interpreter is needed
  • Courthouse location and department or courtroom number

Request methods

  • Email: Send a message to the Interpreter Coordinator and include the required information listed above.
  • Phone: Call the Interpreter Coordinator at (209) 992-5364 and be ready to provide the required information.
  • In person: Tell a staff member at any clerk’s office window when scheduling your hearing.
  • At your hearing: You may request an interpreter when you appear in court. If an interpreter is not available, the Court may continue your matter.

Requesting an interpreter in civil matters

To request an interpreter for a civil case, you may use form INT-300 . Submit the form to the clerk’s office at least 5 court days before the hearing to help ensure availability.

You may also request an interpreter when you appear in court. If an interpreter is not available, the Court may continue your matter.