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").
Leicester is an unincorporated community in Buncombe County, North Carolina, although it has begun a process towards incorporation in 2007. As of 2007, Leicester population is 12,514 people. Since 2000, it has had a population growth of 16.26 percent. The township of Leicester, originally known as Turkey Creek, had a Post Office beginning April 7,1829. The name of the township was changed to Leicester (pronounced les-ter) in 1859. The town was named for Leicester Chapman. His father, Robert Chapman, was a captain under the Earl of Leicester and stationed in Wales. Leicester is part of the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area.