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").
Topaz (also, Topaz Post Office) is an unincorporated community in Mono County, California. It is located 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Coleville, at an elevation of 5033 feet (1534 m). Topaz's ZIP Code is 96133. According to the Mono County's government website, the population as of 2000 was 530.