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").
Laurys Station (previously Slate Dam) is an unincorporated area in North Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, about 9 miles (14 km) north of Allentown and about 6 miles (9.7 km) miles southeast of Slatington. Laurys Station is located along Pennsylvania Route 145, and is situated along the Lehigh River.