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").
Missoula is a city in and the county seat of Missoula County, Montana, United States. The population was 57,053 at the 2000 census The 2008 Census Bureau estimate puts the city's metropolitan area population at 107,320 as of July 1, 2008, making it the second-largest city and metropolitan area in Montana. It is the largest media market in the state. Missoula is the home of the University of Montana. Missoula is the birthplace of Jeannette Rankin (1880–1973), the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress. Missoula is nicknamed the Garden City. Local news sources include the Missoulian and the Missoula Independent. It is served by Missoula International Airport. Missoula was recently ranked number 10 in CNNMoney's list of the best places to launch small businesses.