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").
Kurten is a town located along U.S. Highway 190 in Brazos County, Texas. According to a 2008 U.S. census estimate, its population is 232. It is part of the Bryan-College Station metropolitan area. Kurten was incorporated in 2000.