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").
Velpen is an unincorporated community in southeastern Marion Township, Pike County, Indiana, United States. It lies along State Road 257 southeast of the city of Petersburg, the county seat of Pike County. Its elevation is 492 feet (150 m), and it is located at 38°21′19″N 87°6′7″W / 38.35528°N 87.10194°W / 38.35528; -87.10194 (38.3553289, -87.1019481). Although Velpen is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 47590.