Courts focusing on criminal law determine whether a party has committed a crime against the state, such as a misdemeanor or felony. Civil courts resolve disputes between individuals and businesses, such as those between an employer and an employee. Here, learn more about each type of court and what cases they settle.

Civil Court

Civil court handles issues between individuals and entities such as businesses or government bodies. Many disputes in civil courts do not involve illegal activity but handle issues like divorce proceedings, child custody hearings, contractual problems, personal injury cases, and property disagreements. For example, if an individual falls on someone’s property because the owner did not create safe conditions, the injured person may file a personal injury claim to recover medical costs on the basis of negligence.

Many civil court conflicts result in one party paying the other for damages, which can include medical costs as well as lost wages, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. How much the defendant pays the plaintiff depends on the degree of fault assigned to each party and the state’s negligence laws. Some states such as Wisconsin use contributory negligence to solve civil disputes, meaning the plaintiff may be deemed partially at fault for the accident or other issue.

Criminal Court

Criminal law cases charge a person or entity with criminal activity. The prosecutor officially charges the defendant with a crime, usually after the person’s arrest. It is up to the individual’s defense lawyer to prove the accused is innocent. Criminal courts see a wide variety of cases, including misdemeanors such as petty theft, driving while intoxicated, and violating traffic laws. Felonies including drug-related crimes, assault, criminal battery, domestic violence, rape, and murder also get resolved in criminal law courts.

Sentencing often includes paying fines, serving jail or prison time, and completing several hundred hours of community service. Depending on the severity of the crime, the individual may receive a lifetime prison sentence because they are a danger to the community.

The attorneys at LaRowe Gerlach Taggart LLP provide civil and criminal law services, offering a combined 175 years of experience. They serve clients throughout Adams, Columbia, Dane, Juneau, Richland, and Sauk Counties in Wisconsin. Call (608) 524-8231 (Reedsburg location) or (608) 643-3391 (Sauk City location) today to schedule a consultation about your case. Visit the website for more about practice areas and like the attorneys on Facebook for the latest updates and legal advice.