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").
Hastings is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of Barry County. The population was 7,095 at the 2000 census. The city borders Hastings Charter Township on the north, east, and south, though it is politically independent. It has been named "One of the best 100 small towns in America". Hastings is part of the Grand Rapids-Wyoming metropolitan area.