Interpreter Services

Interpreter Services

            Under current law, in criminal, delinquency, protective services, Chapter 48 (children's code) and Chapter 51 (alcohol, drug abuse, development disabilities and mental health act) proceedings, if a court determines that a person has limited English proficiency and that an interpreter is necessary, the court must advise the person that he or she has the right to a qualified interpreter and that, if the person cannot afford one, an interpreter will be provided at the public's expense.

        The court may authorize the use of interpreters in other court proceedings and actions. Additionally, an interpreter may be provided in the following circumstances: (a) if a person with limited English proficiency requests assistance of the clerk of circuit courts regarding a legal proceeding, the clerk may provide the assistance of a qualified interpreter to respond to the person's inquiry; and (b) with approval of the court, interpreter services outside the courtroom that are related to the court proceedings, including court-ordered psychiatric or medical exams or mediation. The court may accept a waiver of the right to a qualified interpreter from a person with limited English proficiency at any point in a court proceeding, if the court advises the person of the nature and effect of the waiver, and determines on the record that the waiver has been made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily.