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").
Douglas Flat (formerly, Douglasflat and Douglass Flat) is an unincorporated community in Calaveras County, California. It lies at an elevation of 1965 feet and is located at 38°06′52″N 120°27′18″W / 38.11444°N 120.455°W / 38.11444; -120.455. The community is in ZIP code 95229 and area code 209. Douglas Flat was a roaring mining camp of the early 1850s. In 1857 the Harper and Lone Star Claims produced $130,000 worth of gold. The so-called Central Hill Channel, an ancient river deposit from which vast quantities of gold have been taken, is located here. The town today is registered as California Historical Landmark #272. The first post office opened in 1879, and was closed for a time in 1891 before reopening. The town's name honors Tom Douglas, an 1850s merchant.