Interpreters

Requesting a Court Interpreter

SOLICITUD DE UN INTÉRPRETE JUDICIAL

If you don’t speak or understand English very well, you may need a court interpreter to help you in court.  Even if you speak English in everyday life, the situations and language in court can be difficult.  An interpreter can help make sure that you understand and can communicate clearly.

If you have a hearing or other court appearance scheduled, and need the services of an interpreter (Spanish, sign language, etc.) you must notify the court as soon as possible.  You can contact the clerk to arrange for an interpreter (see contact information at the bottom of the page), or you can follow the steps below.  Ten (10) day advance notice should be provided.

Before you get started

Important things to know before working with a court interpreter:

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

• Interpreters translate what is being said in the courtroom into your language and translate your words into English.
• They must keep all communications between you and your lawyer confidential.
• They must disclose any conflicts of interest they may have with your case. 
• They cannot give you legal advice.
• Additional information can be found here.

Only qualified court interpreters can translate court proceedings.

You are not allowed to have a friend or relative who speaks English translate in court for you.  However, if you will need help outside of the courtroom with getting information or filling out forms, you may get help from a friend or relative who speaks English.

How to Request an Interpreter

Step 1: Fill out the form

Complete local form MMC-110 - Request for Interpreter

To complete the form, you need to know: 

• Your case number 
• Your case type (Divorce, Child Custody, Traffic) 
• Language you need interpreted 
• The date of your next hearing

Step 2: Submit your request to the court

You can submit your form to the court by:

• Filing with the clerk’s office
• Send an email to interpreter.coordinator@mendocino.courts.ca.gov

Tips for Working with a Court Interpreter During your Hearing 

• If you cannot hear or understand the interpreter, tell the judge right away
• Speak loudly and clearly, at a normal pace or a little slower
• Speak only in your language
• Listen only to the interpreter
• Speak directly to the person asking the questions, not to the interpreter
• FOR ATTORNEY’S:  Find tips for working with an interpreter here.

Filing a Complaint

You may register complaints about the Court’s provision of, or the failure to provide, language access.  The complaint form is available below in English and Spanish.  Complaints may be emailed to Interpreter.Coordinator@mendocino.courts.ca.gov who will review and respond to all interpreter and language access complaints promptly.

• Language Access Complaint Form
• Formulario para quejas sobre acceso a servicios linguísticos

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan

The Superior Court of Mendocino County provides language access services to LEP court users consistent with the Strategic Plan for Language Access in the California Courts (California Language Access Plan or LAP).  This Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan addresses language access services and policies that affect LEP court users and language access procedures at our court.

• Limited English Proficiency Plan

How to Contact the Court

Fort Bragg

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