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").
Phelan is an unincorporated town located in San Bernardino County, California south of SR 18 and northeast of SR 138. 30 miles east of Palmdale and 18 miles west of Victorville, the town is situated in the Victor Valley in the Mojave Desert north of the San Gabriel Mountains. As of 2007, the town of Phelan has a population just under 20,000 people, with an elevation of 4,112 ft at the town center, located at the corner of Phelan Rd at Sheep Creek Rd. It is served by the Snowline Joint Unified School District. Called "The Land of Champagne Climate," Phelan's history dates back to the days of the Mormon Trail, when settlers would pass through the area on their way to San Bernardino and points beyond. Despite this long history, the area is still relatively rural. Most businesses are situated in strip malls dotted along the sides of Phelan Rd, and the "main hub" of town would be the crossroad of Phelan Rd. and Sheepcreek Rd. , where the majority of commercial activity and businesses are located. Overall, there is only a handful of businesses in this town. Paved roads are few due to the low population. The Snowline Joint Unified School District serves Phelan as well as Wrightwood, Piñon Hills, Baldy Mesa, Oak Hills, and the West Cajon Valley. The area's schools include Piñon Mesa Middle School, Serrano High School (named after the Serrano people), Quail Valley Middle School, Baldy Mesa Elementary, Piñon Hills Elementary, Wrightwood Elementary, Vista Verde Elementary, Heritage School, Chaparral High School, Desert View Independent School, Eagle Summit Community Day School, and Phelan Elementary. Phelan was named after Senator James D. Phelan. Phelan, along with Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, and several other towns, is considered part of a region known as the High Desert. The ZIP Code is 92371 and 92329 and the community is inside area code760.