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").
Renton is a city in King County, Washington, United States. Situated 13 miles (21 km) southeast of Seattle, Washington, Renton straddles the southeast shore of Lake Washington. The State of Washington Office of Financial Management estimates the City of Renton's population to be 82,548 as of May 2009. The population increased significantly with the recent annexation of the Benson Hill communities directly southeast of the city. According to the data from the Office of Financial Management, Renton currently contains the 11th largest population in the state, and 5th largest in King County. Based on per capita income, Renton ranks 100th of 522 areas ranked in the state of Washington.