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").
Leggett (formerly, Leggett Valley) is an unincorporated community in Mendocino County, California. It is located on the South Fork of the Eel River 17 miles (27 km) northwest of Laytonville, at an elevation of 984 feet (300 m). It is home to some of the largest trees in the world. Nearby Smithe Redwood State Reserve and the Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area are noted for their forests of Coastal Redwoods. Leggett is served by California's State Route 1, whose northern terminus with U.S. Route 101 is just outside the community. The town of Leggett includes a single gas station, K-12 school, two convenience stores, pizza parlor, fire station and Drive-Thru Tree. The Leggett post office opened in 1949.