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").
Stahlstown is a small unincorporated community in Cook Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It is 50 miles south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, just a few miles from the Donegal exit on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, located at the intersection of route 711 and route 130. It is named for Leonard Stahl, an early settler. At one time the small village had as many as three gas stations, a general store, a pub, post office, firehouse, and a Nickelodeon movie theater. The Stahlstown Flax Scutching Grounds is home to the nations second oldest continued Flax Scutching Festival, held annually on the second weekend in the month of September. In 2007, the festival celebrated its 100th anniversary. During the second week of July, the grounds also host the Chestnut Ridge Community Volunteer Fire Company Fair complete with amusement rides, a parade and fireworks.