{"id":352212,"date":"2023-08-17T17:32:46","date_gmt":"2023-08-17T22:32:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/the-differences-between-a-criminal-case-and-a-civil-case.html"},"modified":"2023-08-17T17:32:46","modified_gmt":"2023-08-17T22:32:46","slug":"the-differences-between-a-criminal-case-and-a-civil-case","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/the-differences-between-a-criminal-case-and-a-civil-case.html","title":{"rendered":"The Differences Between a Criminal Case and a Civil Case"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Differences Between a Criminal Case and a Civil Case<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Civil cases generally only result in monetary damages or orders to do or not do something, known as injunctions. A criminal case may involve both jail time and monetary punishment.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The American justice system addresses the wrongdoings that people commit with two different types of cases: civil and criminal.<\/p>\r\n

Generally speaking, criminal cases are offenses against the state, even if immediate harm is done to an individual. Accordingly, they are prosecuted by the state<\/a> in a criminal court. <\/p>\r\n

On the other hand, civil cases typically involve disputes between parties regarding the legal duties and responsibilities they owe to one another. In general, family law disputes and personal injury cases are civil cases. These cases are handled through civil lawsuits<\/a> that are prosecuted in civil court.<\/p>\r\n

There is some overlap between civil and criminal cases. Yet, there are several ways in which you can tell the difference between a criminal case and a civil case. But both types of cases can be complex. You may want to discuss your options with either a criminal defense lawyer<\/a> or a civil law attorney<\/a> when you face a legal issue. <\/p>\r\n

Criminal Case vs. Civil Case: Distinctions<\/h2>\r\n

Here are some of the key differences between a criminal case and a civil case:<\/p>\r\n