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").
Clayton is a town in Johnston County, North Carolina, United States. A very small portion of the town extends into Wake County. The population was 6,973 at the 2000 census. In 2007, the estimated population was 13,842. Much of that growth can be attributed to the town's close proximity to the Research Triangle area and access to major highways such as I-40, U.S. 70, and NC 42. In 2006, construction began on the Highway 70 Clayton Bypass, a 10.5 mile stretch from Interstate 40 along the southern portion of Clayton to highway 70 business in Smithfield. It was completed in June 2008. The Town Hall is located at 111 East Second Street in Downtown Clayton. The Town Hall complex is shared with The Clayton Center Auditorium and Conference Center.