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").
Port Republic is a small, rural community located in Calvert County, Maryland. It is approximately 5 miles south of Prince Frederick, Maryland, the county seat of Calvert County. While Port Republic is not incorporated and has no central business district, it nonetheless features several places of note, including historic Christ Episcopal Church and a restored one room school building. The annual Calvert County Jousting Tournament is held the last Saturday in August on the grounds of Christ Church, and was featured in a 2005 edition of ESPN'sSportsCenter's 50 States in 50 Days feature. Residential communities located in Port Republic include Governors' Run, Kenwood Beach, Scientists' Cliffs, and Western Shores. Port Republic has a post office with the designated zip code being 20676.