Free Court Interpreters in Utah: Your Right to an Interpreter and How to Ask for One
General information, not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.
Short answer: Under Utah Judicial Council Rule 3-306.04, when a court finds that a party, witness, victim or other person who will be bound by a legal proceeding has a primary language other than English and limited English proficiency (LEP), it will appoint a certified or approved interpreter in all legal proceedings. A person who requests an interpreter is presumed to be a person with LEP. In courts of record (district and juvenile courts, for example), the fees and expenses for language access are paid by the Administrative Office of the Courts; for courts not of record (justice courts), the local government that funds the court sets and pays them. The court may assess the costs to a party "as otherwise provided by law." If a request is denied, you can apply for review within 20 days of the denial.
Who this guide is for
Utah residents with limited English who have a case in court — as a party, witness or victim — and want to know how to get an interpreter at no cost.
What the rule says
- Appointment: the appointing authority will appoint a certified or approved interpreter in all legal proceedings when a person has a primary language other than English and LEP.
- Backups: a registered interpreter may be appointed if no certified or approved interpreter is reasonably available, and a conditionally approved interpreter may be appointed under specific findings (Rule 3-306.04(1)).
- Presumption: requesting an interpreter makes you presumed to have LEP.
- Review of denials: apply for review within 20 days after a denial (Rule 3-306.04(2)).
- Who pays: courts of record — the Administrative Office; courts not of record — the local government that funds the court; the court may assess costs to a party as otherwise provided by law, and a party ordered to pay may seek review within 20 days (Rule 3-306.04(6)).
How to ask
The courts' interpreter page links to a "Request a Court Interpreter" form (with Spanish and Vietnamese versions), a list of interpreter coordinators who schedule interpreters, and a "Find a Court Interpreter" page. The page doesn't state a deadline, so ask as early as you can — at filing or as soon as you get a hearing date — and tell the clerk the language you need. A bilingual "I speak…" flash-card list can help you show which language you speak.
Tips
- Request an interpreter for every hearing, including mediation or other court-ordered proceedings, if you need one.
- Don't rely on family members or friends to interpret, especially children. Court interpreters are trained for legal terms and accuracy.
- Ask for interpreters for meetings with court staff where available (for example, at the clerk's office) and for documents if you need a translation of key forms; ask the clerk what's available.
- Keep a copy of your request and note the date you made it.
- If you disagree with a denial, file for review within 20 days.
- Complaints: the courts' interpreter program has a formal complaint form for problems with an interpreter.
Other free help
How to Find Free or Low-Cost Legal Help in Utah, How to Ask a Utah Court to Waive Fees, Disability Accommodations in Utah Courts. Immigration help: Free and Low-Cost Immigration Legal Help in Utah.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay for a court interpreter in Utah?
In courts of record, fees and expenses are paid by the Administrative Office; justice courts' local governments set and pay them, and a court may assess costs to a party as otherwise provided by law.
Who can get an interpreter?
A party, witness, victim or person bound by the proceeding with a primary language other than English and LEP.
What if the court says no?
Apply for review within 20 days after the denial.
Is sign language covered?
The page we reviewed discusses ASL interpreter qualifications but didn't explain how to request ASL; use the disability accommodation process. See Disability Accommodations in Utah Courts.