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").
American Canyon is a city located in southern Napa County, California, 35 miles (56 km) northeast of San Francisco. It is part of the Napa, California Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2008, the population was estimated at 16,315, up sharply from the 2000 census population of 9,774. Its zip code is 94503, and its area code is 707. It is in the Pacific Time time zone and observes daylight-saving time. The city was incorporated in 1992.