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").
Edmeston is a town located in Otsego County, New York, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,824. The Town of Edmeston is at the western county line. Edmeston is also the name of the largest hamlet in the town. The town is south of Utica.