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").
Belcourt is a census-designated place (CDP) in Rolette County, North Dakota in the United States. The population was 2,440 at the 2000 census. The community is the seat of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Belcourt was originally known as "Siipiising," which is Anishinabe (Chippewa) for "creek that sings with life-giving water;" the name was a reference to Ox Creek, which flows through the center of town.