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").
Branch, Louisiana is an unincorporated community in Acadia Parish located on LA-35 near the LA-35 intersection, approximately 5 miles south of the town of Church Point and 8 miles north of the City of Rayne. 30°20′55″N 92°16′03″W / 30.34861°N 92.2675°W / 30.34861; -92.2675Coordinates: 30°20′55″N 92°16′03″W / 30.34861°N 92.2675°W / 30.34861; -92.2675