# Criminal Procedure (GCP)

## Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions

### Subtitle 2. General Provisions

#### Section 1-202

(a)

  (1) The court shall appoint a qualified interpreter to help a defendant in a criminal proceeding throughout any criminal proceeding when the defendant:

    (i) is deaf; or

    (ii) cannot readily understand or communicate the English language and cannot understand a charge made against the defendant or help present the defense.

  (2) On application of a victim or victim's representative, as defined in Sec. 11-104(a) of this article, the court shall appoint a qualified interpreter to help the victim or the victim's representative throughout any criminal proceeding when the victim or the victim's representative:

    (i) is deaf; or

    (ii) cannot readily understand or communicate the English language.

(b) The court shall give an interpreter appointed under this section:

  (1) compensation for services in an amount equal to that provided for interpreters of languages other than English; and

  (2) reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of services.

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Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)