§ 20-1710. Good cause for services of non-certified persons.

When good cause is shown and the court has determined that it would not be practical, within a reasonable time frame, to secure the services of an individual certified under this act, the court may utilize the services of a non-certified person.  For purposes of this section, “good cause” means that due to the nature of the hearing, and time being of the essence, the securing of a certified interpreter or translator would not be possible due to the time, distance, or availability of a certified interpreter or translator.  The court shall make a specific finding as to the good cause for the emergency circumstances.  In addition, the non-certified person shall have reasonably demonstrated to the court and the parties such person’s proficiency for the purposes of that hearing.  It is also mandatory that the proceedings are audio taped, and in the event of deaf or hard of hearing individuals, audio and video taped.  The recording shall be labeled and remain an official part of the record.

Added by Laws 2005, c. 427, § 10, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.