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").
Taos Ski Valley is a village and alpine ski resort in Taos County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 56 at the 2000 census. Until March 19, 2008, it was one of four ski resorts in America to prohibit snowboarding; officials announced the change several months in advance. The climate, culture, and geography resemble a Swiss village, including an elected city council. The ski area, Taos Ski Valley, Inc. , was founded by Rhoda and Ernie Blake, and is still managed by the Blake family. It has a one to one ratio of expert to beginner/intermediate terrain, and has the highest rated ski school in North America.