Criminal Law...
Criminal laws are laws written by Congress and state legislators to punish behavior illegal behavior against the Florida or the United States of America. These transgressions are punishable by fines and/or imprisonment. In order to be found guilty of a criminal law, typically, the prosecution must show that the defendant intended to commit the crime he or she is charged beyond a reasonable doubt.
"The difference between civil law...and criminal law turns on the difference between two different objects which the law seeks to pursue--redress or punishment. The object of civil law is the redress of wrongs by compelling compensation or restitution: the wrongdoer is not punished, he only suffers so much harm as is necessary to make good the wrong he has done. The person who has suffered gets a definite benefit from the law, or at least he avoids a loss. On the other hand, in the case of crimes, the main object of the law is to punish the wrongdoer; to give him and others a strong inducement not to commit the same or similar crimes, to reform him if possible, and perhaps to satisfy the public sense that wrongdoing ought to meet with retribution."
William Geldart, Introduction to English Law 146 (D.C.M. Yardley ed., 9th ed. 1984).
Civil Law...
By contrast, civil laws are not punishable by imprisonment. These actions are typically commenced when one party believes he or she is owed compensation due to the actions of another. In civil actions, a person may be responsible for actions even though he or she did not intend the consequences. For example, civil law makes you financially responsible for a car accident that you caused but didn't intend.
A detailed evaluation of your current legal issue will confirm whether your issue will result in criminal or financial consequences. Come to our offices and sit down with us for a one-on-one consultation, and together, we will find out how we best serve your interests. We will let you know what challenges you face and if your freedom is in jeopardy and with our 20 plus years of experience, provide you with a recommendation regarding how we can resolve your case.