Requesting a court interpreter in Hennepin or Ramsey County

Start with the court handling the case

The Minnesota Judicial Branch Court Interpreter Program says that a person needing a spoken-language interpreter for a scheduled hearing or trial should contact court administration at the court where they are scheduled to appear. The Judicial Branch maintains a statewide roster and publishes information about its court interpreter program. Lingfaro does not arrange interpreters for court proceedings in place of the court.

Minnesota Statutes section 546.42 defines “person disabled in communication” for the statutory provisions on interpreters. Ask court administration how those provisions and court policies apply to the particular case.

• Minnesota Judicial Branch Court Interpreter Program
• Minnesota Statutes, section 546.42

Have the request information ready

For procedural questions, follow the instructions from the court and attorney, if applicable. Do not assume that an interpreter arrangement for an appointment outside court also covers a hearing.

• Court location, case information, hearing date, and scheduled time.
• The person who needs interpretation and the language they prefer.
• Any dialect or communication preference the person identifies.
• Whether the matter is in person or remote, if the court has authorized a remote format.
• A contact who can respond if the hearing changes or the interpreter arrangement needs attention.

Ask about roster status and format

The Minnesota Judicial Branch publishes its court interpreter roster and information about qualifications. Ask court administration how it selects an interpreter for the case and whether a particular format is supported. Avoid promising a short lead time or a specific interpreter until the court confirms the arrangement.

If the requested language or date is difficult to arrange, ask the court what next steps are available and how the parties will be notified. The court decides how to handle a request within its procedures.

Track changes through the court

Record when the request was submitted, what the court confirmed, and any later change to the date, time, location, or format. Contact court administration promptly if details change. Keep case information within approved court systems and follow the court’s retention rules.

A clear record helps staff distinguish a pending request from a confirmed court appointment and gives participants a reliable contact for questions.

References

• Minnesota Judicial Branch Court Interpreter Program
• Minnesota Statutes, section 546.42