COURT INTERPRETER SERVICES IN CRIMINAL ACTIONS
(a) Courtroom Proceedings. Regardless of the presence of a private
interpreter, only official, judicially-designated interpreters may interpret official courtroom
proceedings in criminal actions, except as provided in 28 U.S.C. § 1827(f)(1).
(b) Staff Interpreter. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1827(c), the Court employs a
staff court interpreter in both Sacramento and Fresno, who is responsible for securing the
services of qualified interpreters.
(c) Notice of Need for Interpreter Services. Defense counsel in criminal
actions shall promptly determine whether they will need interpreter services for any
defendants or defense witnesses at future court proceedings and shall timely notify the
staff court interpreter that an interpreter is needed. It may take up to one week to arrange
for interpreter services in languages other than Spanish, and three court days for Spanish
interpreter services. Notification of the need for interpreter services should include
identification of the language required, any dialect, and any additional information that
could assist the staff court interpreter. As to interpreters for Government witnesses, see
28 U.S.C. § 1827.
(d) Notice of Continuation or Cancellation of Interpreter Services. If a
scheduled court proceeding is cancelled or rescheduled, counsel shall promptly notify the
staff court interpreter of the cancellation or continuation at least two court days prior to
the scheduled hearing.
(e) Sanctions. Unjustified failure to timely notify the staff court interpreters of
the need for an interpreter or of a cancelled or rescheduled hearing may result in
sanctions, including an order to pay the cost of interpreter services.
