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").
Browns Valley (also, Brown's Valley) is an unincorporated community in Yuba County, California. It lies at an elevation of 269 feet (82 m). Browns Valley is located 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Marysville. The name was in honor of a settler who arrived in 1850 and discovered gold here. A post office was established at Browns Valley in 1864.