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").
The unincorporated community of Paicines is located at 680 feet (207 m) above mean sea level (AMSL) in San Benito County, California along State Route 25. Guide signs along SR25 say the community is 13 miles (21 km) south of Hollister. The community is at the intersection of Panoche Road and SR25. Bolado County Park is just over three miles (5 km) north of the community and the site of the San Benito County Fair. Hydrologic features in the area include Tres Pinos Creek, the San Benito River, and an unnamed reservoir. The area is in the San Andreas Rift Zone, a term used to describe areas on proximity to the San Andreas Fault. Areas to the south and east are mountainous. The county line runs along the Gabilan Range. The community is a gateway to Pinnacles National Monument, a federal reservation straddling the mountains along the Monterey-San Benito County line. Famous people associated with Paicines include Lieutenant General Janet C. Wolfenbarger, the highest-ranking woman in the United States Air Force. Her parents Eldon and Shirley Libby reside in Paicines. The ZIP Code is 95043. The community is inside area code 831.