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").
Oakdale is a small city in Allen Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 8,137 at the 2000 census. Oakdale was founded as "Dunnsville" by William T. Dunn. The Leatherwood Museum, which contains the history of Allen Parish, reopened in a renovated facility on September 27, 2008.