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").
Melrude is an unincorporated community in Ellsburg Township, St. Louis County, Minnesota, United States. The community is located northeast of Cotton at the junction of County Road 59 (Melrude Road) and County Road 322 (Lee Road).