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").
Dawson (34°18'14"N 85°55'34"W) is a small community located in DeKalb County, Alabama, 4 km (2 mi) northeast of the town of Crossville, Alabama. Dawson is located on top of Sand Mountain.