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").
Shanks is an unincorporated community in Hampshire County in the U.S. state of West Virginia. According to the 2000 census, the Shanks community has a population of 806. Shanks is located east of Romney along the Northwestern Turnpike on the eastern flanks of South Branch Mountain. The community is centered around the intersection of U.S. Route 50 and Allen Hill Road (West Virginia Secondary Route 50/7). Shanks Roadside Park is located directly to its west on U.S. Route 50. The North Fork Little Cacapon River runs through the community. Most of Shanks' population resides at the Judy Mobile Homes Court behind the current post office along Allen Hill Road South. It has also become popular with people looking to refurbish older farmhouses along U.S. Route 50 and Allen Hill Road North.