KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Get a Court Interpreter

This information is not intended as legal advice.

The Rhode Island courts provide free interpretation for court proceedings as required by federal and state law. This applies to municipal courts as well.

Contact the Rhode Island Office of Court Interpreters (OCI) as soon as you know your court date to request an interpreter!
Call (401) 222-8710 or email [email protected]

If you have an attorney, they should call on your behalf as they must submit the request to the court clerk.

You can get interpreter services for a variety of criminal and civil matters: arraignments, reviews, hearings, trials, and conferences for both parties and witnesses.

If you are already at the courthouse and need an interpreter: Talk to a court clerk or sheriff. If you do not have an attorney, and you speak a language other than Spanish, you may be asked to use a language identifier card to identify the language you speak. The court will try to find an interpreter for that day, if possible, or for your next court date.

Interpreters are highly trained professionals who provide impartial translations. Family members, friends, attorneys, judges, or court staff who are not trained interpreters should never be asked or allowed to interpret for you.

About your rights: You have a right to impartial, complete, and accurate interpretation of all court proceedings. If a government agency does not help you because you do not speak, read, or understand English well, they may be violating the law.

If you do not speak English and have issues getting an interpreter at a court in RI, contact the OCI at [email protected] or 250 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 02903 to provide feedback or file a complaint.

If you feel your rights have been violated, contact the ACLU of RI at [email protected] or (401) 831-7171.

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