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").
Belvidere pronounced /ˈbɛlvɨˌdɪər/ is a city in Boone County, Illinois, United States. The population was 20,820 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Boone County. 2005 population estimates show a large increase, as the population rose to 24,593. Belvidere is part of the Rockford, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.