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").
South Gate is a city in Los Angeles County, California. It is part of the Gateway Cities region of southeastern Los Angeles County. As of January 1, 2009, the city had a total population of 102,770. The "City of South Gate" was incorporated on January 20, 1923, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. In 1990, South Gate was one of ten U.S. communities to receive the All-America City Award from the National Civic League.