A civil lawyer can fight for you in a wide variety of cases. But what is a civil lawyer exactly- and when should you hire one? With so many different types of attorneys, the differences can seem overwhelming. We’ll explain the basics in the article below.
Civil Law Vs. Criminal Law
Firstly, it’s important to understand the difference between civil law and criminal law. Criminal cases include more serious charges called felonies, which include things like murder and robbery, as well as more minor cases called misdemeanors, which include things like disorderly conduct and vandalism.
In summary, criminal cases involve the state charging a person with breaking the law. Civil cases, on the other hand, are filed by a person against other people, or businesses. These are usually private disputes in which the person filing charges is usually asking for either money (monetary damages) or an order for a party to stop doing something (an injunction). Criminal cases tend to have higher penalties, including prison sentences.
What is a Civil Lawyer?
Of course, a civil lawyer is an attorney who represents clients in a civil case. Civil lawyers are trained in the same law schools as criminal lawyers, so they are equally qualified to represent you. However, the civil case process is a little different. The burden of proof is often lower in civil cases, and jury trials are less common in civil cases than in criminal cases. It’s also important to note that everyone is legally entitled to a lawyer in a criminal case, but not in a civil case.
Common Types of Civil Cases
There are lots of different types of civil cases. The most common types of civil cases include:
- Contracts
- Divorces
- Wills, Trusts, and Estate Issues
- Personal Injury
- Workers’ Compensation
- Property Damages
- Landlord/Tenant Disputes
Finding a Civil Lawyer Who Works For You
The attorneys at Edwards Law Firm, PLLC can help you win your civil case. We have years of experience in civil law and dispute resolution. Call us today to learn how we can help you. We offer toll-free consultation, so call now.