HB335 Alabama 2016 Session

Under existing law, if at any stage of a criminal or juvenile proceeding, the defendant, the juvenile, or a witness informs the court that he or she cannot understand the English language the court may appoint an interpreter or if he or she is deaf, the court is required to appoint an interpreter

This bill would specify that the court may appoint an interpreter during a protection from abuse proceeding and during the intake process for a juvenile court proceeding upon request of the defendant, juvenile, or witness. This bill would clarify that the complainant and the petitioner in any of these proceedings could request an interpreter

To amend Sections 12-21-131 and 15-1-3 of the Code of Alabama 1975, relating to interpreters in certain criminal and juvenile proceedings; to expand the types of proceedings for which an interpreter may be requested and to clarify the persons who may request an interpreter.