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").
West Liberty is a city in Muscatine County, Iowa, United States. The population was 3,332 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area. West Liberty is home to the West Liberty Raceway. It also has a fairgrounds, where the Muscatine County Fair takes place. West Liberty Foods, a producer of turkey products, has a meat processing facility as well as its corporate headquarters here. Many community service organizations are active within the community, particularly the local Rotary Club.