{"id":368952,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/civil-cases-vs-criminal-cases-key-differences.html"},"modified":"2026-06-29T16:10:29","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T21:10:29","slug":"civil-cases-vs-criminal-cases-key-differences","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/civil-cases-vs-criminal-cases-key-differences.html","title":{"rendered":"Civil Cases vs. Criminal Cases: Key Differences"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Civil Cases vs. Criminal Cases: Key Differences<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/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\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Criminal law<\/span> punishes someone when they commit a crime. Civil law applies when there is a legal dispute, but it does not directly concern the criminal nature of an act. The key differences include the specific legal basis and who files the case. The types of penalties, remedies<\/span>, or potential outcomes also vary. Sometimes, one act can both be a crime and cause a civil dispute, but the resulting legal cases are separate.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

You might have thought of a criminal case<\/span> as any legal offense that could lead to incarceration<\/span>. But criminal and <\/span>civil cases<\/span> have many differences beyond possible jail time<\/span>. Besides, not all crimes impose a jail sentence.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This article explores some key differences between civil cases<\/span> and criminal cases<\/span>.\u00a0These differences can affect how you might approach each type of case.<\/p>\n

If you face either type of case, get detailed legal advice about how to proceed. A criminal defense lawyer<\/a> can advocate for you against criminal charges<\/span>. Alternatively, a civil law attorney<\/a> can help you resolve a dispute or lawsuit.<\/p>\n

Compare criminal and <\/span>civil cases<\/span> below:<\/p>\n