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").
Louisiana is a city in Pike County, Missouri, United States. The population was 3,863 at the 2000 census. Louisiana is located in northeast Missouri, on the Mississippi River south of Hannibal. An ammonia plant here was converted to study and produce synthetic fuels. Louisiana is home to the Louisiana Country Colorfest.