5-1-109. Deaf and mute persons; rights enumerated.
(a) In all civil or criminal cases in which a deaf or mute person is a party or in a grand jury proceeding where the person is a witness, the presiding judge shall upon petition appoint a qualified interpreter to assist the court and deaf person during the proceedings. The cost for the interpreter's services may be assessed as court costs.
(b) When a person who is deaf or mute is arrested for an alleged criminal violation, he may request the appointment of an interpreter. Unless the interpreter's services are waived by the deaf or mute person, or unless the interrogation is conducted entirely in writing in the case of a deaf or mute person able to read and write, he shall not be required to submit to interrogation or make a statement unless the interpreter is present.
(c) An interpreter appointed under this section shall serve the deaf or mute person and the court and shall in no instance offer legal counsel, advice or assistance to the deaf or mute person.