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").
Stapleton is a small unincorporated community in northern Baldwin County, Alabama, United States, with a population of 519.. It is part of the Daphne–Fairhope–Foley Micropolitan Statistical Area. Stapleton lies along U.S. Route 31 and State Route 59 and has been considered for incorporation within the cities of Loxley and Bay Minette. There is a bluegrass music festival held at Stapleton Elementary School every fall.