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").
West Jefferson is a village in Madison County, Ohio, United States. The population was 4,331 at the 2000 census. Located along U.S. Route 40, the village has a fairly close relationship with the surrounding township, which include various out-of-corporation-limit neighborhoods (including Haymarket Road, Olmstead Road, Forrest Lake Estates, Goodson Road/Enchanted Valley, and North and South Road). The village boasts a "Commerce Park" at its western edge which includes a Target Distribution Center, a Krazy Glue factory, and Jefferson Industries. Major attractions include the Ox Roast (a fair-like festival every Labor Day), Converse and Garrette Parks, several large churches, and Jefferson Schools sports events. The schools' sports teams are "Roughriders", including a high school football team that claims a record for consecutive winning seasons (which ended in 2001).