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").
Elkland is an unincorporated community in northwestern Webster County, Missouri, United States. It is located on Route 38 about ten miles northwest of Marshfield. In 1987 resident James Schnick murdered six of his relatives and attempted to frame his nephew Kirk Buckner, who was among the victims. Elkland is part of the Springfield, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area. Elkland is home to the Elkland Christian Church,Elkland Independent Methodist Church and the Elkland United Methodist Church. The Pleasant View Methodist Church is located outside of Elkland and services are held in the civil war era building each Memorial Day. Coordinates: 37°26′35″N 93°01′52″W / 37.44306°N 93.03111°W / 37.44306; -93.03111