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").
Irene is an unincorporated community in Hill County, Texas, United States. It is located approximately twelve miles southeast of Hillsboro, near the intersection of FM 308 and FM 1946. Irene had an estimated population of 170 in 2000. Area students attend school in the nearby town of Bynum's supporting school district. Although it is unincorporated, it has a post office and its ZIP code is 76650.