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").
Prather is an unincorporated community in Fresno County, California. It is located 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Fresno, at an elevation of 1657 feet (505 m). The post office in Prather first opened in 1914, closed in 1935, re-opened in 1936, and moved in 1939. The name honors Joseph L. Prather who came to California in 1872 and whose ranch became the site of the town.