Pennsylvania Statutes Title 42 Pa.C.S.A. Judiciary and Judicial Procedure § 4416. Cost of providing interpreter

(a) General rule.--An interpreter appointed in accordance with this subchapter is entitled to a reasonable fee for interpreter services and shall be reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses as provided in this section.

(b) Principal party in interest.--If the person with limited English proficiency is a defendant, party or a direct victim in a judicial proceeding for a criminal matter or juvenile proceeding pursuant to Chapter 63 (relating to juvenile matters), then the payment of the cost of providing the interpreter shall be the responsibility of the county of the court that has jurisdiction over the judicial proceeding for the criminal matter.

(c) Witness.--If the person with limited English proficiency is compelled to appear as a witness in a judicial proceeding for a criminal matter, then the payment of the cost of providing the interpreter shall be the responsibility of the county of the court that has jurisdiction over the judicial proceeding for the criminal matter.

(d) Payment determination.--Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), disposition of all or part of the cost of providing interpreter services shall be in the discretion of the presiding judicial officer unless the principal party in interest is indigent. If the principal party in interest is indigent, then the cost of providing interpreter services shall be the responsibility of the county of the court that has jurisdiction over the judicial proceeding. The presiding judicial officer may order reimbursement to the county for its responsibilities under this section.