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").
The City of Fruita is a Home Rule Municipality located in Mesa County, Colorado, United States. It is part of the Grand Junction Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 6,478 at the 2000 census. It is well known for nearby mountain bike and hiking trails.