If you were recently wronged by another party and are thinking of taking legal action, you may be wondering what type of case you’re going to be dealing with. Chances are, it will either be a civil litigation or criminal case. But, how can you tell which one pertains to you? The following guide highlights the differences between the two to provide better clarification on the upcoming proceedings.

Who Brings the Case About

The primary difference between civil litigation and criminal cases is who seeks the charges. In civil litigation, the proceedings are brought about because one party feels they were wronged by another and are looking for compensation. This may be between two individuals, one individual and a business entity, or two businesses against one another.

Criminal cases, on the other hand, are proceedings brought about by the government. Even if the crime in question was between two individuals, the case is considered criminal if the liable party broke a local, state or federal law.

The Type of Wrongdoing

As you can imagine, the types of wrongdoings and crimes committed differ greatly between civil litigation and criminal cases. Common examples of civil cases include, contract breaches, personal injuries, and business disputes, and construction litigation, Conversely, criminal charges might be brought about due to homicide, kidnapping, obstruction of justice, sex trafficking, or possession of a controlled substance.

The End Result

While criminal matters might end with an individual being incarcerated or otherwise punished, civil judgments aim to make an injured party whole again. Generally, this takes place in the award of financial damages to the aggrieved party. 

If you’re planning on moving forward with a civil litigation case, you’re going to need a qualified lawyer representing your interests. That’s where The Law Office of W. Randall Holcomb PLLC comes in. Based in Greensboro, NC, this attorney has years of legal experience on his belt, giving him the insight and expertise needed to help you find success in your proceedings. Visit his website to learn more about the services he offers, and call (336) 888-8760 to schedule an initial consultation today.