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").
Tonopah is a census-designated place (CDP) located in and the county seat of Nye County, Nevada. It is located at the junction of U.S. Routes 6 and 95 approximately mid-way between Las Vegas and Reno. Its name was given to it by its founder, Jim Butler, and it is thought to be a Shoshone Indian word, pronounced "tow-nu-paw". Although the town previously had a variety of names, including Butler City, Jim Butler's name remained. It is said to mean "hidden spring". In the 2000 census the population was 2,627 and the CDP has a total area of 16.2 square miles (42 km), all land.