While the criminal justice system and civil courts both exist to hold people accountable for their actions, there are some important distinctions every party involved should understand. In addition to handling different types of cases, criminal and civil courts also have their own rules of evidence and unique structures that could influence the outcome of your case. If you’ve been charged with a crime or named in a civil litigation suit, here’s a brief guide of what to expect.

The Criminal Justice System

In criminal courts, the prosecutor takes action against an individual accused of committing a crime. In most cases, the victims of the alleged offense don’t need to file a complaint and may not even need to testify.

In criminal courts, the prosecutor must prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction, which is a high standard to meet. These cases are typically decided by a jury of the defendant’s peers, although in some cases the defendant can request a bench trial, in which the judge settles the case.

Civil Litigation

Unlike criminal courts, the civil justice system is designed to handle contract disputes, divorces, auto accident injuries, and other situations in which one party has harmed the other. Civil litigation is often used to seek financial compensation from someone else or compel them to do something.

In civil courts, the plaintiff only has to prove their case through a preponderance of the evidence. This lower standard makes it possible to win a civil case even though the other side can cast doubt on your version of events. Most civil litigation cases are decided by a judge, but, if the damages are especially high, the attorneys may have to present their evidence to a jury.
 

If you’re involved in a civil suit, a successful outcome may depend on the skill and experience of your attorney. Since 1976, the civil litigation lawyers Goicoechea, DiGrazia, Coyle, & Stanton have provided effective, aggressive representation to clients throughout the Elko, NV area. Visit their website to learn more about their approach or call (775) 738-8091 to discuss your case today.