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").
Big Sky is a census-designated place (CDP) in Gallatin and Madison counties in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Montana. Located immediately west of the Gallatin River and U.S. Route 191, Big Sky is approximately midway between West Yellowstone and Bozeman. The population was 1,221 at the 2000 census. The community is also home to a ski resort of the same name. Big Sky is near the private resort community, Yellowstone Club, which is located west of the town of Big Sky.