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").
Natchez is a village in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 583 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Natchitoches Micropolitan Statistical Area. It includes St. Augustine Parish (Isle Brevelle) Church. Church services were established in 1803 by Augustin Métoyer and have been held continuously since then. It is the oldest church in the US founded by and for the mixed Creole people. The church was built by sons of Métoyer and Marie Thérèse Coin-coin. Because of the significance of the Créole church's history and its centrality in the life of the community, it is featured on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail. The village and parish are part of the Cane River National Heritage Area. Natchez is the birthplace of the late Sylvan Friedman, who served on the Natchitoches Parish Police Jury from 1932-1944, as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1944-1952, and as a state senator from 1952-1972.