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").
Panola is an unincorporated community in Panola County, Texas, United States. According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had an estimated population of 296 in 2000. Panola is located at 32°21′29″N 94°05′29″W / 32.35806°N 94.09139°W / 32.35806; -94.09139 (32.3579347, -94.0912991). It is situated at the junction of U.S. Highway 79 and FM 9 in northeastern Panola County, approximately 20 miles northeast of Carthage. Although it is unincorporated, Panola has a post office, with the ZIP code of 75685..