Sometimes people get confused about the difference between criminal cases v. civil cases. The distinction can sometimes be quite challenging to understand if you aren’t a lawyer. So, we here at SQ Attorneys wanted to provide a bit of basic information on the issue. Civil laws are used to resolve disputes between people and/or organizations, while criminal laws are used to punish people who violate the law. Civil cases generally involve money, injunctions and court orders to cease doing something; they are filed to resolve disputes between people and/or entities. Criminal cases involve the prospect of jail time, fines and probation; the government (federal, state or city) is involved in all criminal matters and is always one of the parties. Examples of civil cases include: Contract disputes, property damage, personal injury, divorce, and eviction proceedings. The burden of proof in civil cases is ‘preponderance of the evidence’. The burden of proof in criminal cases carries a higher standard – ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of criminal allegations, immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Criminal lawyer is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.
