What are the difference between a criminal and civil case in a boating accident?

In Florida, boating accidents may result in either a criminal or civil case. The primary difference between criminal and civil cases is the amount of punishment the offender can receive. In a criminal case, the offender will have to answer to a judge and could face jail time or a fine. Criminal cases are usually brought up by the state or federal government which often happens if there was a fatality or if laws or statutes were broken. The purpose of a criminal case is to punish the offender and deter others from committing similar acts. Civil cases, on the other hand, may result in a fine or monetary payment. These cases are generally brought up by the person who was injured by the offender or the family of the person who was injured. The goal of a civil case is typically not to punish the offender, but to compensate the victim for any losses they have endured as a result of the accident. For a boating accident, both a criminal and civil case can be initiated. Depending on the severity of the incident, the offender could face criminal punishments as well as monetary payments. It is important to seek legal advice to understand the differences between a criminal and civil case and how they apply to your particular boating accident.

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