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").
Brandywine is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, although the postal delivery area includes part of Charles County as well near Malcolm. The population of Brandywine (CDP) was 1,410 at the 2000 census, which is a small percentage of the area covered by the Brandywine post office. The Brandywine zip code covers a very large area both east and west of busy Maryland Route 5/U.S. Route 301, which merge at Brandywine. Cedarville State Forest and the picturesque Baden community to the east, including a trailer park community, are part of greater Brandywine. Although surrounded on either side by the sizable communities of Clinton and Waldorf, Brandywine itself has remained primarily rural and scenic; however, this is beginning to change, with new housing developments being built. Brandywine Crossing shopping center, whose first phase opened in October 2008, will have Target, Safeway, Costco, Marshalls, Jo-Ann Stores, Bonefish Grill, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, and a 16-screen Kerasotes Movie Theater. The community also includes Gwynn Park High School, a golf course, and a construction equipment sales lot.