July 6, 2011 – One of the State Bar’s most valued resources just got better!
The Wisconsin Criminal Defense Manual, an invaluable tool for criminal attorneys since 1981, now is available in a newly revised fifth edition. This practical handbook, which provides step-by-step instructions for handling a criminal case from start to finish, has been extensively overhauled to reflect the changing landscape of criminal law. Filled with expanded discussions of numerous topics, up-to-date statutory and administrative citations, and packed with recent case law, the Criminal Defense Manual continues to guide lawyers through complex procedures by means of concise checklists and extensively annotated forms, complete with detailed instructions.
Whatever your level of experience, the Wisconsin Criminal Defense Manual can help you streamline your practice and obtain the best possible outcome for your client. Topics covered include:
- Organizing the File
- Conducting the Initial Interview
- Analyzing the Case
- Bringing Pretrial Motions
- Negotiating a Plea
- Preparing for Trial
- Preparing for Sentencing
- Preserving Appeal Rights
- Handling Public Defender Cases
An introductory chapter outlines the basics of criminal defense procedure and provides checklists for each stage of the process, from logging time limitations to preparing a client for a sentencing hearing. The book’s final chapter provides private-practice attorneys with the basics for undertaking public defender cases.
Available in both print and electronic formats through PINNACLE’s interactive online library, Books UnBound™, this edition provides updated practice tools and timely discussion of current case law and statutory law essential for every criminal defense attorney, including truth-in-sentencing laws and an updated, expanded checklist of time limitations. As always, the Manual includes a substantive chapter on post-conviction proceedings, reflecting the scope and importance of this aspect of trial practice. Sentencing issues such as bifurcated sentences, plea bargains, enhancements, and expungement are discussed, as well as issues relating to ineffective assistance of counsel.
Attorney Patrick J. Devitt of the Office of the State Public Defender wrote the original book and its 1992 revision. Attorney L. Michael Tobin, Director of the State Public Defender’s Trial Division, coauthor of the 1996 revision, authored this latest revision.
With your copy of the Manual, you will receive a disk with the complete set of unannotated forms from the book.
The Wisconsin Criminal Defense Manual in print is available to members for $165, plus tax and shipping. Purchasers who subscribe to the State Bar of Wisconsin’s automatic supplementation service will receive future updates for 10 percent off the regular update price. Annual subscriptions to Books UnBound start at $129 per title and $649 for the full library (single-user prices; call for firm pricing). Current full-library subscribers to Books UnBound automatically receive this update. To order Wisconsin Criminal Defense Manual, or for more information on any PINNACLE product, contact the State Bar at (800) 728-7788 or (608) 257-3838, or visit www.wisbar.org/cle/books.
