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").
Blocksburg (formerly, Blocksburgh, Blockburger's and Powellville) is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located 15 miles (24 km) east-southeat of Weott, at an elevation of 1594 feet (486 m). The ZIP Code is 95514. The Blocksburgh post office opened in 1877, the name was changed to Blocksburg in 1893. The name is for Benjamin Blockburger, local merchant. The name was originally Powellville in honor of Joseph James Powell, the first settler.