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").
Edwards (formerly, Muroc and Wherry Housing) is an unincorporated community in Kern County, California. It is located 16 miles (26 km) east-southeast of Mojave, at an elevation of 2356 feet (718 m). Edwards is most notable as being the site of Edwards Air Force Base. A post office was established at Edwards in 1951 (having been transferred from Muroc).