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").
West Valley is a former census-designated place (CDP) in Yakima County, Washington, United States. The area has been annexed by the city of Yakima. The population was 10,433 at the 2000 census. Based on per capita income, West Valley ranks 76th of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be ranked.