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").
Kingston is a census-designated place (CDP) and unincorporated area in the U.S. state of New Jersey, which has been officially designated as a Village Center by the New Jersey State Planning Commission. The CDP portion, is the area that lies in Middlesex County. The Village of Kingston exists in three different municipalities: South Brunswick Township in Middlesex County, Franklin Township in Somerset County and Princeton Township in Mercer County. It is the only tri-county community in New Jersey. The population was 1,292 at the 2000 census. The Kingston Village Advisory Committee, appointed by the Councils of both South Brunswick and Franklin Townships, holds an annual Village Meeting and advises the Councils on citizen issues in this unique split jurisdiction. Kingston is located in five historic districts and is part of the Millstone River Valley Scenic Byway. The Delaware and Raritan Canal and Rockingham State Historic Site are a short distance away.