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").
Alexis is an unincorporated community in Gaston County, North Carolina, United States. It is approximately 3 mi north of Stanley. Alexis had been incorporated in 1899. Alexis was formerly named Alex's Cross Roads for an individual named Alexander who owned land in the area.