What is the difference between civil and criminal legal issues?
Criminal issues involve an act in violation of penal law and are offenses against the State or United States. Some examples include theft, assault and some traffic offenses. Civil cases are usually between individuals, businesses, governmental bodies or other organizations. For example, landlord/tenant disputes, child custody, and predatory lending are all civil legal issues. Low-income defendants in criminal cases are generally entitled to a free attorney. However, the right to legal counsel in civil cases has not been fully acknowledged; people with civil legal problems are rarely appointed an attorney if they cannot afford representation. This is why civil legal aid is such a critical resource. For more information on the difference between criminal and civil legal issues visit the Washington Courts website.
