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").
Flatwoods is a town in Braxton County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 348 at the 2000 census. It is found at exit 67 on Interstate 79. The area immediately around the exit has in recent years been commercialized to the point where it now has an outlet mall, a hotel, several gas stations, and many fast food restaurants. A well-known local restaurant is "The Waffle Hut," which is open 24 hours a day. Flatwoods is usually known as the half way point in the state and for the Flatwoods monster UFO incident which occurred on September 12, 1952.