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").
Ocotillo is a census-designated place (CDP) in Imperial County, California, United States. Ocotillo is located 26 miles (42 km) west of El Centro, The population was 296 at the 2000 census. It is part of the El Centro, California Metropolitan Statistical Area. Ocotillo was devastated by floods from Hurricane Kathleen in 1976; 3 people died.