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").
Pioneer (formerly, Pioneer Station) is an unincorporated community in Amador County, California. It is located 5 miles (8.0 km) east-northeast of Pine Grove, at an elevation of 2986 feet, along State Route 88. The community is in ZIP code 95666 and area code 209. Pioneer was a stage stop for the Pony Express riders, and the old Pioneer Station still stands. A post office opened in Pioneer in 1957.