Printer
TextInterpreter Requests for Criminal Proceedings
Interpreters in Court
Pursuant to §19.2-164 of the Virginia Code, the Circuit Court will appoint interpreters in all criminal cases involving non-English speaking defendants, victims and witnesses. This also includes sign language interpreters for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, please contact the Criminal Docket Clerk in the Docketing Division at (703) 246-4946. You should provide the Criminal Docket Clerk with the Defendant’s name, the case number, the date of the hearing, and the type of interpreter needed. A request for an interpreter should be made at least one week in advance of the hearing date. For sign language interpreters or CART (Communication Access Real-time Translation) please contact Suzanne Lubkeman directly at (703) 246-2883 (TTY 703-352-4139 through Virginia Relay 711). Requests for sign language interpreters or CART should be made at least 3 weeks in advance.
Attorneys are not to request specific interpreters, unless that attorney has made separate arrangements for the payment of the interpreter. The Court will not provide payment for any interpreter who has been hired directly by counsel rather than by the Court.
Interpreters for Jail Visits
Attorneys are responsible for the scheduling of interpreters for jail visits. The attorney can contact any interpreter on the Circuit Court’s approved interpreter list to complete the jail visit. Please note that the interpreter who interprets for the jail visit is not automatically assigned to that case to interpret in subsequent court proceedings.
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