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Trapp law firm
Many people find themselves in the need of legal advice at some point in their lives. Some people will need it more than others, some people will just need bits of advice here and their while others will need reliable representation from a lawyer to protect their rights.
Trapp law firm
As a general rule, it is important to be informed about the laws that govern your community and country. It is a good idea to understand how the legal system affects your day to day life. Even when you do not have any problems with the laws that we are supposed to abide by, it is a good idea to understand what their purpose is and whether they are serving you and your community the way they should.
Trapp law firm
It is especially important to be informed when you have trouble with the law. If you are having legal problems, it may be in your best interest to discuss your situation with a lawyer who is experienced with helping people with your particular type of problem, and one who is licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction where your troubles have taken place.

The very basics:

Civil Law vs Criminal Law

Civil Law

Civil Law deals with disputes between one entity and another. The cause of action in this kind of lawsuit can be initiated by private as well as public parties. A private party can sue another private party or they can also sue a public party; a public party can sue another public party or they can sue a private party, etc.

Criminal Law

Criminal Law deals with an individual’s offenses against the state or federal government but this does not mean that the individual has done something directly to the government, rather they have broken a criminal law established by the government. Crimes such as murder, theft, drunk driving, fraud, embezzlement, etc. go against the penal code. Only the government can initiate a criminal case.

An individual or party can be tried for the same offense in both a criminal and a civil case. The outcome of one is not supposed to have any bearing on the other. Typically, a party is tried in a criminal case before the civil suit is allowed to take place.

An example of a crime that can be tried in both a criminal and a civil suit is murder. It is a crime against the state to murder someone and if someone is caught doing this, the state will charge them with this crime. Regardless of whether or not the state’s case goes through to trial, the victim’s family may make a civil claim against the party who murdered their loved one. The surviving family may have the right to sue for things such as suffering, grief, loss of wages, and medical bills, etc.

Penalties

Penalties for civil and criminal law are different. When a defendant loses a criminal case, they typically will face incarceration and/or some type of probation and fines. In some cases, a person convicted of a crime will lose one or more license, such as a driver’s or professional license, or be assigned community service.

The typical penalty for a defendant losing a civil case is having to pay the plaintiff money. Some civil cases involve a defendant needing to change a behavior or agree to something. Other kinds of civil cases such as divorce or estate distribution do not necessarily have defendants but the parties involved have to agree to the judge’s or other court official’s instructions.

If you or someone you care about is dealing with legal issues over civil or criminal offenses, it may be in your best interest to discuss your rights with a lawyer who is licensed to practice the kind of law you need help with.

 

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