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").
Bristow is an unincorporated town in Prince William County, Virginia, United States. The population was 8,910 in the 2000 census, and the 2009 estimate of 15,137. The former town proper was located on SR 619, Bristow Road, about 1 mile southwest of the intersection with SR 28, Nokesville Road, at the Norfolk Southern Railway crossing. There are no active businesses left at this location, though a crew change point for the railroad is just up the tracks from the railroad crossing. The new town center has, in general, relocated farther West around the Braemar Parkway area. Bristow is rapidly being absorbed into the expanding suburbs of the city of Manassas, including such developments as Bristow Station. The area is mostly upper-middle-class residential managed communities including but not limited to: Braemar Community, Bridlewood, Bridlewood Manor, Brookside, Crossman Creek, Foxborough, Kingsbrooke, New Bristow Village, Lanier Farms, Sheffield Manor, and Victory Lakes. The community is home to the Jiffy Lube Live outdoor concert stage which was formerly known as the Nissan Pavilion. As of 2009, Bristow, Virginia has a population of 15,137. Since 2000, the town has seen a population increase of about 89%.