8.01-384.1:1 - Interpreters for non-English-speaking persons in civil cases - Virginia Statutes

§ 8.01-384.1:1. Interpreters for non-English-speaking persons in civil cases.

A. In any trial, hearing or other proceeding before a judge in a civil casein which a non-English-speaking person is a party or witness, an interpreterfor the non-English-speaking person may be appointed by the court. Aqualified English-speaking person fluent in the language of thenon-English-speaking person may be appointed by the judge of the court inwhich the case is to be heard unless the non-English-speaking person shallobtain a qualified interpreter of his own choosing who is approved by thecourt as being competent.

B. To the extent of available appropriations, the compensation of suchinterpreter shall be fixed by the court in accordance with guidelines set bythe Judicial Council of Virginia and shall be paid from the general fund ofthe state treasury as part of the expense of trial. The amount allowed by thecourt to the interpreter may, in the discretion of the court, be assessedagainst either party as a part of the cost of the case and, if collected, thesame shall be paid to the Commonwealth.

C. Whenever a person communicates through an interpreter to any person undersuch circumstances that the communications would be privileged, and suchpersons could not be compelled to testify as to the communications, thisprivilege shall also apply to the interpreter. The provisions of this sectionshall apply in circuit courts and district courts.

(1996, c. 559; 2003, c. 1011.)