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").
Thompson Ridge, New York is a hamlet in the Town of Crawford, part of Orange County, New York, USA. It has the ZIP Code 10985, and is located along NY 302 south of Pine Bush, Crawford's main population center. It takes its name from the Thompson family, early settlers of the region. The houses of Alexander, Andrew and Robert Thompson still stand along 302. As its name suggests, much of Thompson Ridge is elevated, providing sweeping views of the Shawangunk Ridge over the valley of the Shawangunk Kill. A small downtown section, with the post office, is along Thompson Ridge Road just east of its junction with 302.