In a criminal case, the state, through a prosecutor, initiates the suit, while in a civil case the victim brings the suit. Persons convicted of a crime may be incarcerated, fined, or both. Criminal defense attorneys represent clients who have been accused of committing a crime, and defend their rights at each stage of a misdemeanor or felony case -- from an arrest to an appeal after conviction. Criminal defense attorneys may be hired privately or provided by the government (called "public defenders").
Centerton is a city in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 2,146 at the 2000 census and 5,621 at a special census in November 2005. A tornado destroyed 40 homes, damaged 150, and injured 12 people on March 12, 2006. Centerton is part of the Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers, AR-MO Metropolitan Statistical Area.