What is the Difference Between a Criminal Case and a Civil Case?
Criminal Cases:
Criminal cases stem from alleged violations of criminal codes and are brought forth by law enforcement agencies or district attorneys. These cases involve the prosecution of individuals accused of committing crimes that harm society as a whole. Examples of criminal offenses include theft, assault, drug possession, or murder. [1]
In criminal cases, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, who must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Criminal cases take place in criminal courts, and if found guilty, the defendant faces severe penalties such as jail time, fines, community service, or probation. A criminal conviction often results in a permanent criminal record, which may affect the accused person’s future opportunities and rights.
Civil Cases:
Civil cases arise from disputes between two or more individuals or entities over legal rights, obligations, or damages. Civil cases involve seeking financial compensation or a resolution for a civil wrong committed. Common types of civil cases include personal injury claims, landlord-tenant disputes, contract breaches, or medical malpractice.
In civil matters, the primary goal is to determine liability and award monetary damages or equitable relief to the injured party. Unlike criminal cases, the burden of proof in civil cases is generally lower, requiring a preponderance of evidence (more likely than not) rather than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Civil cases take place in civil courts and often result in financial compensation for the aggrieved party.
When Might a Civil Lawsuit Lead to Criminal Charges?
One common scenario where a civil lawsuit may lead to criminal charges is in cases involving personal injury. If a person is injured in a car accident due to the negligence or recklessness of another driver, they may file a civil lawsuit seeking financial compensation for their injuries.
If it is determined that the at-fault driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, their actions may also be considered a criminal offense. Law enforcement may conduct a criminal investigation and potentially file criminal charges, such as DUI (driving under the influence), against the defendant.
Another case where a civil lawsuit can result in criminal charges is in matters of fraud or embezzlement. If someone is accused of defrauding individuals or entities out of large sums of money in a civil lawsuit, and evidence emerges suggesting that their actions were intentional and criminal in nature, law enforcement may initiate a criminal investigation. The person may then face criminal charges, such as fraud or theft, in addition to the civil lawsuit seeking monetary damages.
Cases involving domestic violence or assault can also lead to criminal charges alongside a civil lawsuit. If someone is physically harmed by another person and decides to file a civil lawsuit for damages, law enforcement may become involved and pursue criminal charges against the perpetrator.
Losing One Type Of Case and Winning Another
Let’s consider a scenario where an individual is facing both a civil and criminal case simultaneously. Perhaps they were involved in a car accident where they were at fault, leading to injuries and property damage. The injured party may choose to file a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and vehicle repairs. At the same time, law enforcement may press criminal charges against the defendant for driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving.
Winning or losing one case does not automatically affect the outcome of the other. If the defendant is found liable in the civil case, they may be required to pay monetary damages to the injured party. This does not absolve them of any criminal responsibility. Winning the civil case does not guarantee a favorable outcome in the criminal case.
Standard of Proof in a Civil Case vs. Criminal Case
In a civil case, the standard of proof is known as a preponderance of the evidence. This means that the evidence presented must show that it is more likely than not that the defendant is responsible for the harm or injury claimed by the plaintiff. The plaintiff must provide enough evidence to convince the judge or jury that their version of events is more probable than the defendant’s.
This standard of proof in civil cases is often described as a 51% certainty. It requires the plaintiff to demonstrate that it is more likely than not that their claim is true. The burden of proof rests on the plaintiff, as they are the ones seeking to establish liability and obtain compensation or other remedies.
In a criminal case, the standard of proof is much higher. It is called proof beyond a reasonable doubt. This standard is the highest burden of proof in the legal system. It requires the prosecutor to present evidence that convincingly establishes the defendant’s guilt to such a degree that there is no reasonable doubt in the minds of the judge or jury.
Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is often described as 99% certainty, leaving little room for doubt or alternative explanations. The aim of this high standard is to protect the rights of the accused and ensure that no innocent person is wrongly convicted. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, as they must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond any reasonable doubt.
Outcomes in a Civil Case vs. Outcomes in a Criminal Case
In a civil case, if the plaintiff is successful in proving their case, they may be awarded compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, or pain and suffering. The amount of damages awarded is usually determined by the judge or jury based on the evidence presented during the trial.
In a criminal case, the stakes are much higher, as the accused faces potential loss of freedom, fines, and other severe penalties. The outcome of a criminal case can include various possibilities ranging from a guilty plea or plea bargain, a dismissal of charges, or a jury trial resulting in a conviction or acquittal.
If a defendant is found guilty in a criminal case, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include jail or prison time, fines, probation, community service, or restitution.
Contact Goldberg & Loren’s personal injury lawyers today to support today to schedule a free consultation about filing a civil lawsuit.
Source:
[1] Criminal and Civil Justice – The National Center for Victims of Crime. (n.d.). https://victimsofcrime.org/criminal-and-civil-justice/
