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").
Muddy is a small incorporated village located in the Harrisburg Township in Saline County, Illinois, United States. The population was 78 at the 2000 census. Muddy was built as a coal mining village to house miners working in O'gara #12 mine located on the north bank of the Saline River. It's sister city of Harrisburg is located on the south bank. Muddy, until 2002, held the smallest post office in the United States. A larger building adjacent from the former post office was constructed to better serve its citizens. The old post office remains, and the sign now reads "OLD MUDDY POST OFFICE". Most of Muddy's history, the village was built to serve. First serving the Ogara #12 mine, and now serving the City of Harrisburg as retail and commercial land high enough to withstand flooding from the Saline River.