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").
Belva is an unincorporated community in west Nicholas County, West Virginia, United States. The town is situated at the bottomland surrounding the convergence of Bells Creek with Twentymile Creek and, subsequently, Twenty Mile Creek with the Gauley River. Fenwick is also the location of the convergence of two state highways: West Virginia Route 16 and West Virginia Route 39. The community is named in honor of Belva Ann Lockwood, a presidential candidate and early feminist. Belva post office was established in 1885.