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").
Mastic Beach is a census-designated place (CDP) in the southeast part of the town of Brookhaven in Suffolk County, New York, United States. The population was 11,543 at the 2000 census. The CDP is located in the general vicinity of the hamlet of Mastic Beach. Mastic Beach is located on the South Shore of Suffolk County in the Town of Brookhaven, on Long Island just 70 miles from NYC, and accessible via the LIRR Montauk line. Moments away from the incredible county beach, Smith Point, which is home to the Flight 800 Memorial and the ”Gateway to the Fire Island National Seashore”. Mastic Beach on a peninsula and has beautiful sunlit open-bay views. Created in 1928, the Mastic Beach Property Owners Association http://www. masticbeachpropertyownersassociation. org/about. html had the foresight to maintain the pristine waterfront for everyone to enjoy. There are marinas, private docks, a beautiful links-style golf course and several historic sites. There is sailing, swimming, clamming, fishing, birding, hiking, camping and shopping. Tadpoles, butterflies, dragonflies are abundant. The sounds of crickets, cicadas and crashing waves bring a sense of peace to Mastic Beach residents. Currently, the Mastic Beach Village Exploratory Committee, a committee of residents, has been formed to explore the possibility of incorporating as a village. If the Village of Mastic Beach becomes a reality, the proposed village boundaries differ from those of the CDP. The proposed Incorporation of the Village of Mastic Beach must be brought to a vote and passed by 51% in order for the Hamlet to become a Village. A date has not been set for a vote. Mastic Beach is served by the William Floyd School District.