An Interpreter In Court
MCL 775.19a — an interpreter for an accused who cannot understand the charge or present a defense
Michigan has a general section for an accused person and a separate act for people who are deaf or deaf-blind.
- If an accused is about to be examined or tried and it appears to the judge that the person cannot adequately understand the charge or present a defense, because of a lack of ability to understand or speak English, an inability to communicate by reason of being mute, or a speech or other physical defect, the judge appoints a qualified person to interpret.
- In any action before a court or grand jury in which a deaf or deaf-blind person is a plaintiff, defendant or witness, the court appoints a qualified interpreter to interpret the proceedings, the person's testimony, and preparation of the action with the person's counsel.
Waiver only in writing. The right of a deaf or deaf-blind person to a qualified interpreter is not waived except by a written request from that person, and a party's written waiver is subject to the approval of the person's counsel and of the appointing authority.
The right interpreter. No interpreter is appointed until the appointing authority and the deaf or deaf-blind person make a preliminary determination that the interpreter can readily communicate with the person. If the interpreter says an intermediary or deaf interpreter would improve the interpretation, one is appointed to assist.
Court rules on interpreter certification, scheduling, and the interpreter's code of conduct sit alongside the statute and are not on this page. Whether a particular proceeding was interpreted adequately, and what follows if it was not, are questions for a licensed Michigan attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- MCL 775.19a — Appointment of interpreter; compensation
- MCL 393.503 — Right of deaf or deaf-blind person to qualified interpreter in proceeding before court, grand jury, or appointing authority
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Michigan attorney.