Do you need help with English in order to make sure that your story is told accurately in court? If so, ask the court clerk for a form or help in getting an interpreter. If the court decides that an interpreter is needed, the court will provide one. However, the court will need at least 5 days notice.

See the Maryland Judiciary's Do You Need A Court Reporter publication. It is your right to understand everything.

Topics on this page:

• Asking for an Interpreter for your court case
• Need help to ask for an interpreter?
• When will the court appoint an interpreter?
• How does the court decide to appoint an interpreter?
• Will the court provide a sign language interpreter?
• Tips on Working with Your Interpreter

Asking for an Interpreter for your court case

The court will help you to find an interpreter.

To request a spoken language interpreter, please submit a Request for Spoken Language Interpreter (Form CC-DC41) to the court where the case will be heard. Requests for interpreter should be submitted to the court no less than thirty (30) days before the proceeding for which the interpreter is needed.

Need a Court Interpreter? Part 1: How to Request an Interpreter from the Maryland Courts

Need an ASL Interpreter? Part One: How to Request an ASL Interpreter from the Maryland Courts

Need help to ask for an interpreter?

If you have a lawyer, ask the lawyer to arrange for an interpreter.

If the clerk does not speak your language, s/he can call a special phone number where an interpreter can assist the two of you to make the arrangements for free.

When will the court appoint an interpreter?

The court will appoint an interpreter for free if one of the following is true:

1. You do not understand English well enough to fully participate in the hearing.
2. You do not understand English well enough to help your lawyer, if you have one.
3. It is difficult for the judge, the lawyers or the jury (if there is one) to understand your English.

How does the court decide to appoint an interpreter?

Sometimes a clerk or someone else may have told the court that you need an interpreter, or it may be marked on your court file. If this is the case, no questions will be asked. However, if the court is unaware of your need for an interpreter, the court staff may ask you some questions in English. Here are some examples of questions that you may be asked:

• “How did you get to court today?”
• “What kind of work do you do?”
• “Why are you in court today?”

You will be asked these questions to help the court decide if you need an interpreter.  This is not the beginning of your testimony but you should answer truthfully.

Will the court provide a sign language interpreter?

Yes, along with any other "reasonable accommodation."

Tips on Working with Your Interpreter

• Your interpreter is not your lawyer. The interpreter will interpret everything you say, word for word, in order to help you tell your story. The interpreter can also interpret for you in order to understand what others are saying.

• If you do not understand a question or a word, tell your interpreter “I do not understand.”

• The court will provide an interpreter to you, if one is necessary, for free.

• Avoid talking directly to your interpreter during court proceedings. Speak to the person asking the question.

• If you have questions, ask your lawyer, the judge or court staff, not the interpreter.

• If you have trouble understanding the interpreter, tell the judge through the interpreter.

Need a Court Interpreter? Part 2: How to Work with an Interpreter from the Maryland Courts

Need an ASL Interpreter? Part Two: How to Work with Your ASL Interpreter from the Maryland Courts