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").
Anthony is a census-designated place (CDP) in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, USA. The population was 7,904 at the 2000 census. It is located south of Las Cruces on the New Mexico–Texas state line in the Upper Mesilla Valley along Interstate 10. The city is also part of the Las Cruces Metropolitan Statistical Area. In an election held on January 5, 2010, Anthony residents voted in favor of incorporating the community. A total of 561 votes were cast, with 410 (73.1%) supporting the measure and 151 (26.9%) opposed. The new municipality will become official on July 1, 2010. In accordance with New Mexico state law, the city must elect and seat a mayor, city council, and judge by that date.