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").
Columbus is a city in Colorado County, Texas, United States, 74 miles (119 km) west of Houston along Interstate 10, on the Colorado River. In 1890, 2,199 people lived in Columbus, Texas; in 1900, 1,824 residents existed. The population was 3,916 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Colorado County. The town history includes the politically motivated Reese-Townsend feud of the late 19th century and early 20th century, which resulted in several people being killed in gunfights. The town's motto is "City of Live Oaks and Live Folks."