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").
Wallingford is an unincorporated community in Nether Providence Township, Delaware County in Pennsylvania, USA. Founded in 1687, it is named for Wallingford, England. In 2007, Wallingford was named by Money Magazine as the 9th best place to live in the United States; two other towns in the area made the top 15. It is west of Interstate 476 (known locally as the "Blue Route") and east of S. Providence Road, PA 252. Crum Creek forms the township's eastern border with Swarthmore Borough. Wallingford is just a few miles north of Chester on the southwest edge of the Philadelphia urban area. Wallingford is about 9 miles from Philadelphia proper. Located in Wallingford is the Helen Kate Furness Free Library, which was renovated in 2006. Across the street from the library is Pantry I, a small convenience store, a dry cleaning shop and a post office. Various doctors, dentists and lawyers are also located in Wallingford. About half a dozen churches and chapels of several denominations are located in Wallingford, including Wallingford Presbyterian church, and St. John Chrysostom Catholic Church on Providence Road and Garden City Chapel, near Media Parkway. Wallingford is also home to Congregation Ohev Shalom, a conservative synagogue located at the corner of Rt. 252 and Rt. 320. The local school district is the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, which serves Wallingford, Swarthmore, Rutledge, and parts of Media, Morton and Rose Valley. Wallingford is located along SEPTA's R-3 commuter line, and has a station whose design is attributed to the well-known Victorian architect Frank Furness. Wallingford is 30 minutes from downtown Philadelphia by rail. Effective July 9, 2007, the fares are $4.25 off peak ($8.25 roundtrip) and $5.00 peak ($9.75 roundtrip). The township's municipal offices are located at 214 Sykes Lane and can be reached at (610) 566-4516. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5 pm. The township also maintains an official homepage.