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").
The community of Coyote (originally Burnett) is located in Coyote Valley on Coyote Creek between south San Jose, California, and north Morgan Hill, California, on Monterey Highway (the former Highway 101). Its ZIP Code is 95013; there is a small U. S. Post Office. Geographical coordinates are 37°12′59″N, 121°44′20″W. Coyote is notable for its historic Grange Hall close to the Post Office and the Metcalf Energy Center. The town's name was changed because residents saw many coyotes in the area. The town nearly disappeared after highway 101 was rerouted 1 mile east of the city. The community was nearly absorbed by San Jose, California by urban sprawl until the dot com bust canceled the city's plans, San Jose however still owns the area after purchasing it in that era.