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CLE Books releases Critical Terms in Criminal Proceedings in 
Spanish and English
State Bar CLE Books proudly announces its newest publication, a 
Spanish-English glossary of legal terms, Critical Terms in Criminal 
Proceedings in Spanish and English/ Terminologías Esenciales en el 
Proceso Criminal en Español y Inglés, by attorneys Ronald 
Benavides and Luis Cuevas. This handy pocket-sized book addresses 70 
critical terms in criminal proceedings, providing clear, plain-language 
descriptions of the criminal process in Spanish and English.
Attorneys will benefit from being able to better guide their 
Spanish-speaking clients through the sometimes confusing criminal 
justice system. Clients and their families will benefit from being 
better informed and more aware of their rights and options. Interpreters 
will benefit from having a resource that offers Spanish and English 
explanations of procedures that are clear, accurate, and largely 
dialect-neutral, and supplemental materials.
The authors outline the general procedure from issuance of a 
complaint to verdict, sentencing, and appeal, and list the terms in 
chronological order, as they typically occur during the criminal 
process. They identify the parties and the basic rights that come into 
play during the process. The book also highlights terms related to 
traffic offenses and truth in sentencing.
Benavides and Cuevas wrote this book to promote consistency in the 
translation of terms and concepts critical to the legal process, 
especially in criminal cases. Both authors are practicing criminal 
defense attorneys, Benavides in private practice and Cuevas as an 
assistant state public defender. They drew upon their extensive 
expertise and experience - in the courtroom itself and in actually 
translating legal concepts for Spanish-speaking defendants in the 
courtroom over several years.
Several volunteer reviewers also contributed their linguistic and 
legal expertise: attorney Francisco Araiza (assistant state public 
defender in Milwaukee and past president of the Wisconsin Hispanic 
Lawyers Association), Brenda Bartholomew (court interpreter in 
Milwaukee), and attorney John Nowell (Catholic Charities in Milwaukee), 
along with his attorney-students in Mexico.
This convenient resource offers multiple ways to locate terms in the 
book and contains several useful appendices, including the Wisconsin 
court's interpreter request form, the new Court Interpreter Code of 
Ethics, a list of Wisconsin statutes related to court interpreters, and 
more.
This unique book will be a welcome addition to your library. The book 
is available for $10, plus tax, shipping, and handling.
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