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").
Whitehall is a city in Muskegon County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,884 at the 2000 census. The city is located in the southwest corner of Whitehall Township. Montague, Michigan is its neighbor. It is located on White Lake (actually the mouth of the White River on Lake Michigan). It was first settled in 1859 as a lumber town, taking advantage of its water location. The same location now makes it attractive to tourists and recreational boaters. The mayor is Emery "Mac" Hatch. Norm "Stormin Norman" Ullman was mayor before him, and taught U.S. Government for several years at Whitehall High School.