How to Request a Transcript in a Letter
In the United States judicial system, transcripts are the transcribed versions of hearings, trials and other proceedings conducted in criminal and civil cases. Additionally, if a deposition is taken (questioning of a party or witness under oath), a transcript can also be made. Transcripts serve a variety of uses, including being required when you appeal a case to a higher court. Obtaining a transcript from any type of proceeding typically is accomplished through a written request.
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Instructions
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Find the name of the court reporter who transcribed the judicial proceedings or deposition. Obtain the name of the judicial court reporter from the administrative assistant of the judge that presided over the particular hearing or matter. A deposition transcript is available from the private court reporting service that attended the deposition itself.
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Draft a written request seeking a transcription of the proceeding or deposition.
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Include the caption from the case (if the transcript is requested from a particular case), including the case number. Identify the specific date and time of the hearing for which you desire a transcript. If you want the transcript of a deposition, indicate the date, time and location of the deposition and the name of the witness deposed.
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Request the court reporter to provide you an estimate of the fee to transcribe the proceeding or deposition. You need to pay the estimated fee in advance; the cost is an estimate and you may obtain a partial refund or end up being required to pay a bit more once the transcript is completed.
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Provide the court reporter (in the letter) a due date by which you must have the transcript if obtaining it is time-sensitive.
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Deliver the written request for a transcript to the court reporter. Consider hand delivery or U.S. mail, certified and return receipt requested. This way you have documentation to verify when you made the request should the transcript not be delivered in a timely manner.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure you closely review the transcript when it arrives. Because of the nature of court and deposition transcription, mistakes can occur. You have a specific period of time to request corrections by a court reporter (as set forth in the transmittal letter from the court reporter that will accompany the transcript).
