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").
Ridgedale is an unincorporated community in southern Taney County, Missouri, United States. It lies about ten miles south of Branson on U.S. Route 65 near the Arkansas state line. Several homes, a few businesses, and a post office are located there. The community is part of the Branson, Missouri Micropolitan Statistical Area.