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").
Chester is a city located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River Valley in Randolph County, Illinois. The population was 8,400 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Randolph County and is located 63 miles (101 km) south of St. Louis, Missouri. With Chester being the county seat, the elected county officials are Terry Luehr-Board Member, Terry Moore-Chairman, Ken Slavens-Board Member, Randall Rodewald-State's Attorney, Randy Dudenbostel-Coroner, Fred Frederking-Sheriff, Shirlie Robinson-Treasurer, Wayne Voss-County Supervisor Of Assessments, Pat Laramore-County Clerk, and Barbara Brown-Circuit Clerk </ref>