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").
San Joaquin is a city in Fresno County, California, United States. The population was 3,270 at the 2000 census. The nearest high school in the area is Tranquillity High School in Tranquillity. San Joaquin is located 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Kerman, at an elevation of 174 feet (53 m).