Criminal law and civil law are the two major areas of modern legal practice, and most cases fit into one of these two categories. The Law Offices of Lawrence W. Henke, III in Dayton, Ohio, offers representation for both civil and criminal law cases, including car accident claims, family law issues, and criminal defense. For over three decades, attorney Henke has been fighting for clients just like you.

Here, the Law Offices of Lawrence W. Henke III discuss the differences between criminal law and civil law.

Criminal Law

Criminal law can best be described as any case that involves a person or persons committing a criminal act. In ancient times, criminal and civil law were often lumped together; it wasn't until the Norman Invasion of the 11th century that the two started to be extricated as separate legal entities. Examples of criminal law include murder or attempted murder, theft, sexual assault, and battery. Criminal law focuses on imparting penalties and punishments on guilty parties.

Civil Law

Civil law, on the other hand, focuses largely on victim compensation or redress. Civil matters are usually those between two or more parties engaged in some type of private relationship, as opposed to a public relationship like criminal behavior, wherein a perpetrator endangers public safety. Our contemporary civil law statutes are rooted in Ancient Roman law. Common types of civil law cases include personal injury claims, contract disputes, family law issues, and slander. Your attorney at the Law Offices of Lawrence W. Henke, III is well-versed in both criminal and civil laws and will work with you to design a case that exceeds your goals and expectations.

By understanding the differences between criminal and civil law, you can be an informed consumer who is a proactive part of the legal process. Call the Law Offices of Lawrence W. Henke III at (937) 461-9330 to schedule a consultation with an attorney. You can also visit the firm online to learn more about attorney Henke and his practice areas. The firm can be found on Facebook and Google +.