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").
Maxwell (formerly, Occident) is an unincorporated farm community in Colusa County, California. It lies at an elevation of 92 feet. Located off Interstate 5, it is home to Maxwell High School. The main crop grown is rice, though a variety of others such as grapes, almonds, squash, and sunflowers are grown as well. Its zip code is 95955 and its area code is 530. In the state legislature Maxwell is located in the 4th Senate District, represented by Republican Sam Aanestad, and in the 2nd Assembly District, represented by Republican Doug LaMalfa. Federally, Maxwell is located in California's 2nd congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +13 and is represented by Republican Wally Herger.