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").
Findlay is a city in and the county seat of Hancock County, Ohio, United States. The city metro area is often referred as The Greater Findlay Area. Located in northwestern Ohio, the city lies approximately 50 miles (80 km) south of Toledo. The population was 38,967 at the 2000 census, Greater Findlay Area was at 45,284. It is home to the University of Findlay. The city's official nickname is "Flag City, USA". Findlay is one of only two cities in Hancock County, along with Fostoria. Findlay is one of the few areas in Northwest Ohio that is still growing and is the second largest city in that region. The Findlay and Hancock County community was named a winner in the first-ever national competition to identify the 100 Best Communities for Young People in September 2005. The honor was awarded through the America's Promise Alliance. Findlay and Columbus were the only two cities in Ohio to receive the distinction. In 2007, Findlay-Hancock County was once again selected (one of 52 repeat honorees), and joined Toledo as the only two cities in Ohio to receive this designation. Findlay is home to Blanchard Valley Regional Hospitals, which has been rewarded one of the best 100 hospitals in the United States.