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").
Buffalo is located 45 minutes NW of Minneapolis in Wright County, Minnesota. According to the 2000 census the town's population was 10,097. According to a 2008 county census the town's population has grown to over 18,141 people since then. Minnesota State Highways 25 and 55 are two of the main arterial routes in the city. The local high school is Buffalo High School.