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").
Womelsdorf, named after John Womelsdorf, is a borough in Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,599 at the 2000 census. The main thoroughfares through Womelsdorf is High Street which runs east-west through the borough and Route 419 which runs north-south. Route 422 is located on the northern edge of town. A Pennsylvania state historic site, the Conrad Weiser Homestead, is located in Womelsdorf. This site interprets the life of Conrad Weiser, a well-known 18th century German immigrant who played a major role in the history of colonial Pennsylvania.