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").
Yelm is a city in Thurston County, Washington, United States. The population was 3,289 at the 2000 census. The current mayor is Ron Harding. His daughter, Janet Harding, was Miss Washington for 2008 after winning the title of Miss Tahoma. Yelm ranked 10th of 279 eligible incorporated communities in population growth between 2000 and 2005.