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").
Aptos is a census-designated place (CDP) in Santa Cruz County, California, United States. The population was 9,396 at the 2000 census. Aptos is an unincorporated area of Santa Cruz county, consisting of several small communities. The combined population of the CDPs generally considered as parts of Aptos is around 25,000: Aptos Village, the main business and commerce center on the northwest side of Hwy 1, between State Park Drive and Rio Del Mar Blvd. Seacliff, northwest of Hwy 1, west of Spreckels drive Rio Del Mar, south of Hwy 1, east of Spreckels, down to near Seascape Blvd. Seascape, south west of Hwy 1 La Selva Beach, farthest southeast, also west of Hwy 1. Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, Day Valley north/east of Hwy 1.