Language Access & Interpreter Information
Welcome to Language Access & Interpreter Services
Sonoma County Superior Court provides multilingual interpretation and general language services in court proceedings to ensure meaningful participation in the judicial court process for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). In doing so, the court promotes equal access to justice and guarantees court procedures are fair and understandable for court users of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
To read the Court’s Limited English Proficiency Plan, please click (LEP) Plan.
General Information
What is a Court Interpreter?
A court interpreter is specially trained in legal terminology and the legal process to help you in court. Court interpreters will interpret everything the judge, attorneys, and court staff say into your language and interpret everything you say into English.
A court interpreter WILL NOT give you legal advice. They cannot answer your questions or explain what is happening in court. They can only interpret your questions so that the judge or others can answer them.
How can I get an interpreter assigned for my court case?
You should inform the Court or your attorney that you need an interpreter as far in advance as possible of the hearing. If an interpreter is not requested in advance or is not available, the case may be delayed or continued by the Court until one can be assigned.
In non-criminal cases, please complete the below form and submit to the respective clerk's office or email your request to the Coordinator's Office directly at interpretercoordinators@sonomacourt.org.
Request for Interpreter (Civil)
Solicitud de intérprete (casos civiles)
Yêu cầu phiên dịch viên (dân sự)
ਦੁਭਾਸ਼ੀਏ ਲਈ ਬੇਨਤੀ (ਸਿਵਲ)
请求口译员（民事）
Need an American Sign Language Interpreter?
To request an ASL interpreter, use Disability Accommodation Request form (MC-410). The form can be completed and emailed to ada@sonomacourt.org.
Language Access & Interpreter Complaints
To submit a complaint about a Court Interpreter please email interpretercoordinators@sonomacourt.org and provide specific details about the incident you wish to report.
You may file a complaint with the Judicial Council of California regarding a specific California court interpreter if you believe a certified or registered interpreter:
- Violated Rule of Court 2.890, Professional conduct for interpreters
- Is unable to interpret competently in English and/or in the language being interpreted
- Committed acts of wrongdoing or behaved unethically
To file a complaint directly with the Judicial Council regarding a specific court interpreter, visit https://languageaccess.courts.ca.gov/about/contact-us/court-interpreter…
To submit a complaint about Language Access Services, please complete the Language Access Complaint Form.
Information for Court Interpreters
Sonoma County is participating in the California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program. The pilot program is intended to increase the number of court interpreter employees in the courts by reimbursing participants for their training costs and examination fees. To find out more information on how to become a court interpreter click here.
Forms for Court Interpreters
Court Interpreter Daily Activity Log Form
Court Interpreter Contractor Invoice Form