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").
Cliffwood is an unincorporated area within Aberdeen Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. The area is served as United States Postal Service ZIP Code 07721. As of the United States Census, 2000, the population for ZIP Code Tabulation Area 07721 was 2,573. Cliffwood is the home of Guadalcanal Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post Number 4745, which is used as a community hall, rental facility, and polling place for elections. The post's ladies auxiliary includes elected offices of president, senior vice president, junior vice president, secretary, treasurer, and three trustees with staggered three-year terms. Other positions include chaplain, conductress, guard, and patriotic instructor. Adjacent to the VFW Post is Veterans of Foreign Wars Park (VFW Park), which contains Alvin Ross Memorial Field. The field, which has two softball diamonds, backstops,, team benches, and bleachers, is used for local children's and adults' softball and soccer leagues scheduled by the Aberdeen Township Department of Parks and Recreation. The Aberdeen Township Public Service Facility on Lenox Road is the maintenance and recycling facility for the township.