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").
Stockton is an unincorporated community in Lanier County, Georgia, United States. In 2007, it had an estimated population of 1,680. Since 2000, it has had a population growth of 6.10 percent. Stockton is located in the far southern portion of the state on U.S. Highway 84, near Valdosta and Lakeland. The surrounding area produces tobacco, turpentine, pine lumber, and pulpwood. Moody Air Force Base is located nearby, and transport is provided mainly by U.S. Route 84 and U.S. Route 129. Stockton is located near the Alapaha River and CSX Transportation runs through Stockton at least twice a day. Stockton's zip code is 31649.