Opinion ID: 2065993
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Translator and Interpreter Costs

Text: The state sought reimbursement for translation of autopsy reports, assistance of a translator during its presentation of evidence to the grand jury, translation of witness statements, and for the use of an interpreter to assist the prosecution during trial. The state did not seek reimbursement for the costs of the interpreters assigned to assist Lopez-Solis at trial. The court of appeals affirmed the trial court's award of translator costs, comparing them to discovery costs. Lopez-Solis, 1998 WL 8453, at . We disagree and hold that translator and interpreter costs are not recoverable under the prosecution costs statute. The language of the statute does not contain a provision allowing for the recovery of interpreter costs. See Minn.Stat. § 631.48. While it is true that in civil cases some costs incurred in discovery may be awarded, the use of interpreters and translators is fundamental to a criminal defendant's fair treatment and is not analogous to discovery. The legislature requires that interpreters be appointed for criminal defendants handicapped in communication at arrest and through all subsequent proceedings, including grand jury proceedings. See Minn.Stat. §§ 611.30-.34 (1996). The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that all criminal defendants who are handicapped in communication are treated as fairly as [those] who speak[] English fluently. State v. Mitjans, 408 N.W.2d 824, 829 (Minn.1987). Therefore, the trial court's award of $1,100 for translator and interpreter costs is reversed.