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").
Vanzant is an unincorporated community in northern Douglas County, Missouri, United States. It is located on Route 95 about thirteen miles south of Mountain Grove. Vanzant includes 3 convenience stores, one in Vanzant and two others within 5 miles west and south. There are a few houses there. A post office there burned down.