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").
Westmoreland is a town in Oneida County, New York, United States. The population was 6,207 at the 2000 census. The Town of Westmoreland is in the west-central part of the county. The New York State Thruway passes across the town. Westmoreland is west of Utica, New York. The Westmoreland Central School District is the only school system in the town. It is composed of an elementary school (grades K-4), middle school (grades 5-8), and a high school (grades 9-12). This school district houses a very impressive fine arts programs, along with a very impressive athletics program as well.