Virginia law mandates the appointment of interpreters for deaf individuals involved in criminal cases, including defendants, victims, and witnesses. The court is responsible for procuring qualified interpreters through the Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, and interpreters' fees are paid by the state. Deaf individuals may waive their interpreter rights with proper legal procedures and explanations.
Deaf individuals who are defendants, victims, or witnesses in criminal cases are eligible for a court-appointed interpreter.
Interpreters are procured through the Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, or if unavailable, by appointing certified interpreters with national credentials.
Yes, a deaf person can waive interpreter services after consulting with legal counsel, with the waiver explained and approved in writing.
The court pays for the interpreter from the state treasury's general fund, and the fee is not assessed as part of the case costs.