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").
Sledge is a town located in Quitman County, Mississippi. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 529. Famous African American Country singer Charley Pride is from Sledge. Leroy Brown was an actual man from the area who may have very well have been the inspiration for the Jim Croce song. This area is considered by some to be the genuine birthplace of the blues. Many of the blues greats grew up and nurtured their music in the juke joints surrounding Sledge.