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").
Pelham is an unincorporated community in northwest Caswell County, North Carolina at the North Carolina/Virginia border. It is often considered a suburb of nearby Danville, Virginia. Pelham is located along Pelham Loop Road near the eastern terminus of NC 700 at US 29. Neighboring communities, independent cities, and municipalities include Danville, Eden, Ruffin, Yanceyville, Purley, and Casville.