Guadalupe is a city in Santa Barbara County, California. Its estimated population as of 2007 was 6,659. It was incorporated as a city on May 19, 1946. Guadalupe is economically and socially tied to the city of Santa Maria, which is about ten miles to the east.
What is criminal defense law?
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").