Civil and Criminal Courts

After being charged with a DUI, many people do not know what to expect next. Legal disputes are settled in either criminal or civil courts, and with your DUI charge, you may be faced with both criminal and civil penalties. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with the differences between these two types of court as you begin your drunk driving case proceedings.

The Two Court Systems

If you are facing DWI charges, it is important to know the differences between criminal and civil courts, as you may be facing penalties from both. The two court systems are:

• Civil courts: Civil courts revolve around disputes between two people or a person and an organization. Civil cases can include divorce settlements, financial disagreements, and other cases. These courts also handle matters related to driver’s licenses; for example, your license could be suspended or revoked following a DUI conviction – a matter that must be settled in a civil court.
• Criminal courts: In criminal courts, the government prosecutes the defendant, or the person charged with a crime, on behalf of the public. These crimes can include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, possession of narcotics, assault, robbery, and others. If you are facing criminal penalties such as fines or jail time, these issues will be decided in a criminal court.

If you have been charged with a DUI, an experienced Rhode Island drunk driving attorney can further explain the charges you may face and can help you develop a strong defense.

Contact Us

If you have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, you need a skilled and experienced Rhode Island DUI lawyer to handle your case and fight for your rights in court. For help with your drunk driving charge, contact the offices of Matthew Marin by calling 401-287-4384.