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").
Smithdale is a small unincorporated community in Amite County, Mississippi, United States, located 13 miles from the county seat of Liberty. The zip code for Smithdale is 39664; the community has a post office (founded in 1828). Major highways in Smithdale are Mississippi State Route 569, Mississippi State Route 570 and U.S. Route 98. Smithdale stretches over parts of four counties, including Amite, Pike, Lincoln, and Franklin counties. The community is part of the McComb, Mississippi Micropolitan Statistical Area.