Criminal Law vs. Civil Law
A quick search for local attorneys on the internet will return results from a variety of legal fields. Many lawyers will either focus on criminal law or civil law. It is important to understand the purposes of each, especially if you have been accused of a crime.
If you are facing criminal charges, contact the Milwaukee criminal defense attorneys of Hart Powell, S.C. today by calling (414) 271-9595.
Purposes of Criminal Law Sentences
The following are some of the fundamental objectives of criminal law sentences:
- Punish people for violating laws
- Deter future crimes
- Rehabilitate people who are prone to committing crimes
- Keep criminals away from others for safety purposes
- Provide restitution to victims of criminal activity
In order for a person to be convicted of a crime, evidence must be given that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the individual is guilty.
Purposes of Civil Law Sentences
Civil law, commonly referred to as common law, handles cases that relate to holding a party responsible for injuries caused by his or her negligence. The purpose of civil law sentencing includes the following:
- To provide victims with compensation for injuries or other losses resulting from the negligence or recklessness of another party
- To punish people for exceptionally negligent acts
In some cases, both criminal and civil charges can be issued. For example, a drunk driver who causes an accident may face criminal charges for breaking the law as well as civil charges for any losses that another person suffered.
Contact Us
If you have been accused of a crime, hiring an attorney well-versed in criminal law is essential. For the assistance you need, contact the Milwaukee criminal defense attorneys of Hart Powell, S.C. at (414) 271-9595 today.