Rule 47 Interpreters for Proceedings in Court

(a) Whenever a defendant, a witness, or a non-party individual having a significant interest in a court proceeding as defined by the Judicial Branch’s Language Services Plan, requires the assistance of an interpreter in order to testify or understand proceedings in court, the court shall arrange for the participation of an interpreter who meets the qualifications set forth in the Language Services Plan.

(b) In addition to the participation of the interpreter contemplated in paragraph (a) of this rule, whenever, in the case of an indigent defendant, defense counsel reasonably believes that counsel requires a separate interpreter in order to communicate with the defendant, counsel shall make application to the court for authorization under RSA 604-A:6 for funds to hire an interpreter for the purposes of facilitating out-of-court and in-court communication between counsel and the defendant. If the cost does not exceed $500 in superior court proceedings, no motion is required. See Superior Court Administrative order 2019-002.