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").
Melrose is a hamlet of the Town of Schaghticoke, located about 5 miles North of Troy, and about 6 miles East of Mechanicville. It is about 30 minutes from Albany, 20 minutes from Clifton Park, and 10 minutes from Troy. Centered around State Route 40, it is a small, quiet town.