1. A person who interprets a conversation between a person who can hear and a deaf person is deemed a conduit for the conversation and may not disclose or be compelled to disclose by subpoena, the contents of the conversation which he facilitated without the prior consent of the person who received his professional services, except as provided in subsections 2 to 4 of this section.

2. A court may order disclosure of the contents of a conversation to provide evidence in proceedings related to criminal charges. However, all communications, which are privileged by law, shall be protected as privileged communications in the same manner when an interpreter is used.

Terms Used In Missouri Laws 209.339

  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Missouri Laws 1.020
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.

3. The prohibition on disclosure of the contents of a conversation does not apply in any investigation, hearing or other proceeding to determine whether, and to what extent, a licensee should be disciplined. In addition no such licensee may withhold records or testimony bearing upon whether, and to what extent, a licensee should be disciplined, on the ground of not being permitted to disclose the contents of a conversation.

4. A person, whether or not a licensed interpreter, is not prohibited from disclosing, and may not refuse to disclose, the contents of a conversation in any proceeding related to allegations that the person has practiced interpreting without a license.

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