San Mateo is an unincorporated community in Putnam County, Florida, United States, located just southeast of the city of Palatka. It is on the east shore of the St. Johns River.
What is criminal defense law?
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").