2025 Session Last amended: 2005 session

§ 611.31 — Person Disabled in Communication

Plain-Language Summary

A 'person disabled in communication' means someone who, because of a hearing or speech disorder, or because of difficulty speaking or understanding English, cannot fully understand court proceedings or charges against them. It also includes people who cannot understand the seizure of their property or who cannot help present their own defense.

611.31 PERSON DISABLED IN COMMUNICATION.

For the purposes of sections 611.30 to 611.34, “person disabled in communication” means a person who: (1) because of a hearing, speech or other communication disorder, or (2) because of difficulty in speaking or comprehending the English language, cannot fully understand the proceedings or any charges made against the person, or the seizure of the person’s property, or is incapable of presenting or assisting in the presentation of a defense.

History:

1969 c 955 s 2; 1981 c 131 s 5; 1984 c 460 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1991 c 323 s 4; 2005 c 56 s 1

History: History: 1969 c 955 s 2; 1981 c 131 s 5; 1984 c 460 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1991 c 323 s 4; 2005 c 56 s 1

Practical Notes

This definition is broad and covers both physical communication disabilities and language barriers. If you have trouble understanding English or have a hearing or speech disorder that prevents you from understanding what is happening in court, you qualify as a person disabled in communication and are entitled to an interpreter.

Source: Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes