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").
Edwall is a small unincorporated village located about 35 miles from the city of Spokane in Lincoln County, Washington, United States. Edwall is part of the Reardan-Edwall School District. The school district was closed for a record amount of days due to a big snow storm in the inland area in January 2008. The former Edwall School is now owned by the Parks and Recreation District and leased to Christian Heritage School, a private non-denominational school. Edwall also has a post office, an active United Methodist Church congregation, Men's Service Club, Women in Action Committee, volunteer fire/emergency medical crew, and a volunteer run library located in the original one room wood frame schoolhouse.