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").
Smith River (formerly, Del Norte, Smith River Corners, Smith's River Valley, Smiths River, and Smith's River) is an unincorporated community in Del Norte County, California, United States. It is located 12 miles (19 km) north-northeast of Crescent City, 3 miles (4.8 km) east of the mouth of the Smith River, at an elevation of 52 feet. As of 2000, the population was 2,003. The ZIP Code is 95567. Its area code is 707. It is bordered by the Smith River National Recreation Area.