Ill. R. Cir. Ct. McHenry Cnty. 10.14

As amended through September 23, 2024

Rule 10.14 - ASSIGNMENT OF COURT INTERPRETERS

A. Pursuant to 725 ILCS 140/1 and 140/3, the court shall provide an interpreter to any person accused of committing a felony or misdemeanor, where incarceration may result, who is not capable of understanding or expressing themselves in English. The appointment of an interpreter in a felony or misdemeanor where incarceration may result is at county expense regardless of whether the defendant is indigent.

B. The court's interpreters shall be available to assist non-English speaking defendants for all routine matters appearing on the court's docket. For purposes of this rule, routine matters are defined as non-evidentiary proceedings, such as arraignments, pleas, continuances, status dates, bond hearings, etc. Any party requiring the assistance of the court's interpreter for an evidentiary hearing and/or trial, shall be required to:

a. notify the Court Administrator's Office within two (2) business days after an order is entered scheduling the case for hearing and/or trial and

b. advise the Court Administrator's Office in writing of the need for interpreter assistance; including the date said matter is set for hearing or trial, the caption name and case file number, the anticipated duration of said hearing or trial, and the sitting judge and courtroom in which it is scheduled.

C. Cancellation of court interpreters should be made by the party originally requesting the interpreter's assistance as soon as practicable by notification to the Court Administrators Office in order to avoid undue expense and inconvenience.

D. Official court interpreters, whether staff or contractual, are appointed to serve the court, pursuant to 725 ILCS 140/1. In their capacity as official court interpreters, they are bound to a professional code of conduct as outlined in the Interpreter's Standard of Conduct. Assigned court interpreters of the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit shall accept and agree to be bound by the Code of Professional Conduct for Court Appointed Interpreters and understand that appropriate sanctions may be imposed by the court for willful violations.

E. The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit hereby adopts the Code of Professional Conduct for Court Appointed Interpreters. Court interpreters must:

1. Act strictly in the interest of the court they serve.

2. Reflect proper court decorum and act with dignity and respect to the officials and staff of the court.

3. Avoid professional and personal conduct which could discredit the court.

4. Not divulge any information of a confidential nature about court cases obtained while performing interpreting duties unless authorized by court order.

5. Refrain from solicitation of business in the courtroom and its environs. Any violation of this will result in the loss of privilege of providing services.

6. Refrain from giving advice of any kind to any party or individual and from expressing personal opinions in a matter before the court.

7. Maintain impartiality by avoiding undue contact with witnesses, attorneys, and defendants and their families and any contact with jurors. This should not limit, however, those appropriate contacts necessary to prepare adequately for their appointed tasks.

8. Not accept any reimbursement, gifts, gratuities, or valuable consideration in excess of their authorized compensation in performance of their official interpreting duties.

9. Not use, for private gain or advantage, their county time or the court's facilities, equipment or supplies, nor shall they use unwarranted privileges or exemptions for themselves or others.

10. Disclose to all parties concerned and to the trial judge any conflict of interest. Any condition which infringes on the objectivity of the interpreter or affects his or her professional independence constitutes a conflict of interest. A conflict may exist whenever any of the following occur:

a. the interpreter is personally acquainted with any party;

b. the interpreter has, in any way, an interest in the outcome of the case;

c. the interpreter is perceived as not being independent of the adversary parties (or related agencies in criminal cases).

Ill. R. Cir. Ct. McHenry Cnty. 10.14