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").
Shady Spring is a census-designated place (CDP) in Raleigh County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 2,078 at the 2000 census. It is a family oriented community, with a very low crime rate. Shady Spring is an area of development for new housing communities. It is close to the Resort at Glade Springs, Flat Top Lake, Winterplace Ski Resort, and the city of Beckley. Due to its growing size, the county school board upgraded its middle and high schools to deal with the increased student volume.