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").
Rodanthe (ro-DANTH-ee) is an unincorporated community located in Dare County, North Carolina, on Hatteras Island, part of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Rodanthe, along with Waves and Salvo, are part of the settlement of Chicamacomico. Rodanthe includes the original Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, decommissioned in 1954, but now a museum. Rodanthe is served by North Carolina Highway 12 which runs North-South through town. The entire Chicamacomico area is bordered to the North and South by National Seashore areas thus limiting potential growth. The town is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the Pamlico Sound to the West. Rodanthe is the easternmost point of North Carolina. Rodanthe is famous for its observation of "Old Christmas" on January 6, formerly Christmas, December 25, by the Julian Calendar, a custom held over from the original English settlers who still used the "Old Style" calendar. A mythical beast "Old Buck" appears at the celebration, he appears related to Belsnikel or Krampus who are Companions of Saint Nicholas in Central European Christmas celebrations.