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").
Lowgap is an unincorporated community in the Franklin Township of Surry County, North Carolina. Lowgap is named for the "low gap" the community is settled in among the Blue Ridge Mountains. The community has an elevation of 1,457 feet. Landmarks near the center of the community include the community post office, the community library housed in the former Lowgap School, fire department and area churches. North Carolina Highway 89, also known as West Pine Street, serves as the main thoroughfare in the community.