Interpreters/Language Access

Court interpreters must accurately interpret for individuals with a high level of education and expansive vocabulary, as well as persons with very limited language skills without changing the language register of the speaker. Interpreters are also sometimes responsible for translating written documents, from English to the target language and from the target language into English.

The court provides interpreters for all case types. Parties and counsel are requested to provide at least five days notice to the court’s Interpreter Coordinator of any need for interpreting to ensure these services may be arranged in a timely manner.

The interpreter’s role shall be limited to that of interpreting, not offering opinions or suggestions.

Visit the California Courts Court Interpreters Program.

For civil and family law cases, please complete Judicial Council form INT-300, Request for Interpreter (Civil) and turn it in to the Civil Clerk’s Office located at the Tehama County Courthouse at 1740 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, California. A new request is required at least five days prior to each hearing. Please check with the clerk’s office prior to your hearing to confirm an interpreter is available. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For criminal cases, you may ask the clerk in the courtroom, or at the counter in the Criminal Clerk’s Office located at the Tehama County Courthouse at 1740 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, California. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If an interpreter is not available at the time of your hearing, the court may continue your case until an interpreter can be assigned.

Please see California Evidence Code Section 754 for information regarding the appointment of a Sign Language Interpreter.

If you believe you have not been provided with reasonable or professional language access, please complete an Interpreter Complaint Form, and turn it in to the Criminal or Civil Clerk’s Office in person or by mail.