Interpreter Information

Obtaining Interpreter Services

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

Interpreters are available to assist you in the court proceedings identified below. It is recommended that you request a court interpreter as early as possible to ensure interpreter 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)

Court interpreters should be requested as early as possible to make sure that they are available when needed. Waiting to request a court interpreter may result in court proceedings being postponed because an interpreter is not available.

If an interpreter is required outside the court, you may obtain the services of a court-certified or registered interpreter who is authorized to provide interpretation services in California by selecting one from the list available at Search for Interpreter. 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 follow the information below.

Information required to submit a request for interpreter:

Language needed
Name of person needing the interpreter
Case number (if one has been assigned)
Date and time that the interpreter is needed
Courthouse location and department/courtroom number

Email – Send an email to the Interpreter Coordinator. You must include the information required as noted above.

Phone – You may call the Interpreter Coordinator at (209) 992-5364. Please be ready to provide the information required as noted above.

In Person – You can inform a staff member at any of our clerk’s office windows when scheduling your hearing.

At your court 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. Parties should submit this form to the clerk’s office at least 5 days prior to the hearing date to ensure interpreter availability.

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