Suppose you want a maritime law attorney today. Yet, you are not sure whether your case is categorized as civil or criminal. In this case, it would be vital to first understand the difference between civil and criminal law before getting an attorney. The following are a few aspects that help distinguish between criminal and civil cases.

Structure

Criminal cases are considered offenses against the state, meaning they seek to enforce public codes of behavior. The law assumes that crimes significantly affect the tranquility of the public, national integration, and public order. Such actions will include murder, aggravated assault, robbery with violence, and kidnapping. At the same time, some crimes are directed at the state itself, including treason, rebellion, and sedition.

On the other hand, civil cases are legal disputes between two parties, often individuals. Ideally, civil cases focus on civilians, meaning that they might not necessarily be about breaking the law. In most cases, these lawsuits involve things like contracts, property damage, and hurting someone.

Types of Cases

There are three main types of criminal cases: misdemeanors, felonies, and violations. These crimes can be against property, morality, or other persons. White-collar crimes are also relatively common.

Violations are the least significant crimes, attracting no more than 15 days in jail. Misdemeanors are more serious, and they are in three classes. Committing a misdemeanor attracts a jail term of up to one year. Lastly, felonies are aggravated crimes. They include murder, rape, and arson. This class of criminal cases attracts … Read the rest >>>