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").
Santa Elena is an unincorporated community in Starr County, Texas, United States. It is situated along FM 755 in northeastern Starr County, approximately six miles northwest of San Isidro. According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had an estimated population of 64 in 2000. The community was established in the late 1800s. The population peaked at around 200 in the early 1930s. Today, Santa Elena is a small, dispersed rural community. Although it is unincorporated, Santa Elena has a post office, with the ZIP code of 78591. Public education in the community is provided by the San Isidro Independent School District.