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").
Whittier is a city in Los Angeles County, California about 12 miles (19 km) southeast of Los Angeles. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 83,680. It is the home of Whittier College. Like nearby Montebello, the city is considered to form part of the Gateway Cities and the southeast area of the county. The city's population as a whole has grown since its founding days but has experienced rapid growth particularly starting in the 1990s. It has increased from 77,807 in 1990 to 83,680 in 2000 and is projected to grow to 90,041 in 2010. Los Angeles County Fire Department Station 28 (Engine, Quint, Paramedic Squad, Mobile Aid, and a Battalion Chief), Station 17 (Engine), Station 59 (Engine and EST) serve the community.