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").
Neoga is a city in Cumberland County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,854 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Charleston–Mattoon Micropolitan Statistical Area. The current mayor of Neoga is Wayne Modglin, a councilman who was appointed to the position following the resignation of Jay Russell. The Mayor before Jay Russell was Gary Mercer. Neoga was incorporated in 1856. Neoga means "deer" in the Indian language Kickapoo.