Transcripts

A transcript is a written account of what was said during a trial or other hearing in a trial court or before an agency. The transcript is made from the recording of the hearing.

The transcript of what happened in the trial court or agency helps the Supreme Court decide the issues you are raising on appeal. For appeals from boards or agencies, you must order or obtain the transcript from that board or agency and according to its rules.

For appeals from court decisions, the following information applies. You order the written transcript through a court-appointed vendor. In some cases you can order the audio or video recording of a hearing instead of a transcript. In limited cases you may qualify to have the transcript made without cost to you.

Is a Transcript Necessary?

The transcript is necessary when what was said at the trial court is important or relevant to the issues on appeal. If you think an error was made at trial or at a hearing, then the Supreme Court needs the transcript to decide if the trial court’s decision should be changed.

If you do not order a transcript and the transcript was necessary to decide an issue, the Supreme Court may affirm (uphold) the trial court’s decision. The court will not consider your arguments about any issue that requires a transcript for informed review unless you have ordered the transcript.

Who Must Order

The person who appeals a decision (the appellant) is responsible for ordering a transcript.

Failure to properly order the transcript or pay the appropriate deposit may result in dismissal of your Supreme Court appeal.

When to Order Transcripts

For most appeals, you must order transcripts within 10 days after filing the notice of appeal. If you do not need transcripts, you must file a statement with the court that no transcripts are necessary.

For bail appeals or appeals in cases of child abuse, child neglect, or termination of parental rights, you must order the transcript at the same time you file the notice of appeal.

How to Order Transcripts
  • You must order transcripts from the court-appointed vendor.
  • You must send a copy of the transcript order form to all parties.
  • You must pay the correct deposits when you order the transcript.

To order a transcript, go to the website of the vendor or contact them by phone/fax, mail, or email:

Michelle Farias
eScribers
700 West 192nd Street, Suite 607
New York, NY 10040
Phone: 973-406-2250
Fax: 973-954-5619
Email: VTtranscripts@escribers.net

Timing and Pricing

Turnaround time for an
electronic transcript

Price per page

30 days

$3.40

14 days

$4.30

7 days

$4.85

3 days *

$6.20

1 day *

$8.10

Copy (at a later date)

$1.00

Printed Transcript Add

$.90 per page

Media copy only (per hearing)

$30.25

Pro Bono Account - Contractor Contribution

5% of pages ordered

*Courts are expected to provide vendors with the necessary materials within five business days. Thus, it may not be possible to meet these expedited turnaround times.

You will be expected to pay a deposit of up to 75 percent of the anticipated total cost of the completed transcript at the time you place the order. If you cannot afford the transcript, you may have other options, as outlined below.

Paying for and Alternatives to Transcripts

The state will not necessarily cover the costs of the transcript even if you cannot afford them. The state will pay for the transcript only if your case involves a constitutional liberty interest (such as a possible jail sentence or involuntary confinement) or a child in need of supervision. The state will not pay for your transcript in a civil case such as a divorce or a landlord-tenant dispute.

If you cannot afford a transcript, you have several potential options:

Video Recording

If hearings were videotaped and are less than 12 hours total, you may order a copy of the video instead of a written transcript.

Audio Recording

You can ask to have the audio recording used instead of ordering a written transcript. To request that the Supreme Court use the audio recording:

Pro Bono Transcript

In exceptional cases you can ask to have a transcript made pro bono, meaning without cost to you. To apply:

  • You must qualify to waive filing fees and service costs
  • You must not be eligible for state payment of transcripts
  • You must not qualify to use the audio or video recording
  • You must file a motion with the Supreme Court and state the hearing dates, hours to be transcribed, and issues that require a transcript
    Appellate Motion
    (800-00004)
  • You must attach a copy of the order on appeal