Civil litigation is the process by which private parties, whether individuals, businesses, or organizations, resolve legal disputes through the court system. It is distinct from criminal law in both purpose and procedure, and understanding the difference matters when you are trying to figure out what kind of legal help you need.

In a criminal case, the government prosecutes an individual for conduct that violates criminal law. The goal is punishment, which can include imprisonment, fines, or probation. The standard of proof is high: guilt must be established beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil case, by contrast, one private party brings a claim against another seeking a remedy, typically monetary compensation or a court order requiring specific action. The standard of proof in most civil matters is a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that the defendant is responsible. A notable consequence of this difference is that the same conduct can give rise to both criminal charges and civil liability. A driver who causes a serious accident while intoxicated might face a criminal DUI prosecution by the government and a separate civil personal injury lawsuit brought by the injured victim. Both can proceed independently, and a verdict in one does not automatically determine the outcome in the other. Our practice is exclusively civil, covering personal injury, wrongful death, employment law, real estate disputes, business conflicts, civil RICO, civil rights claims, and related matters. Brian Osborne began his career as a criminal prosecutor, which gives him a valuable perspective on how opposing parties strategize, but his focus since 1989 has been entirely on civil representation.