§ 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.