The United States legal system has laws governing everything from copyright infringement to the destruction of property and tax evasion. The infractions a person can commit fall primarily under two main categories: torts and crimes. Here’s the difference between the two so that you can know when to consult an attorney.

Tort

A tort causes damage to a person or property thanks to an individual's negligence. Examples of tort cases include personal injury law and medical malpractice.

A tort is not necessarily an intentional act. For example, an individual who causes a car accident may not have planned to hit someone. If they do, however, that person can hire an attorney to take legal action. Torts are tried in civil court.

A tort won’t result in prison time. Instead, the individual who was harmed can get justice in the form of financial repercussions, seeking compensation for everything from medical expenses to wages lost due to time off work.

Crime

A crime is defined as a wrongdoing against society as a whole. Criminal actions include cases like rape or murder, which are deemed to hurt not only individuals but also the security of society.

A crime is an intentional act, carried out with the aim of violating laws. For this reason, crimes are brought by the state or the federal government, not by an individual person. A criminal conviction can result in prison time. 

For knowledgeable legal advice and representation on both tort and criminal cases, consult The Law Offices of Conti, Levy and Salerno, LLC, in Torrington, CT. Their lead attorneys have more than 70 years of combined experience, and will confidently advise you—whether you turn to them for criminal defense or a family law matter. Visit their website to learn more about these lawyers. To meet with an attorney, call (860) 482-4451.