What is the difference between civil and criminal fraud?

The difference between civil and criminal fraud in Texas is the type of punishment the person committing the fraud may face. Civil fraud is a non-criminal violation of the law that is punished with damages or restitution. Criminal fraud, on the other hand, is a crime punishable by fines or jail time. Civil fraud often involves false representations, failure to meet contract obligations or misrepresentation of services. It can also occur when someone fails to meet their financial obligations. The plaintiff is typically the person or business that suffered losses from the fraud, and they may seek legal action to recover damages. Criminal fraud involves more serious violations, such as defrauding a government agency or committing theft. If an individual is found guilty of criminal fraud, they may face jail time, hefty fines, or both. Additionally, a person who commits criminal fraud may have difficulty obtaining credit and employment opportunities due to the criminal record. In Texas, a person who commits civil fraud must make restitution to the victim, while a criminal fraud conviction comes with additional penalties. Civil fraud is usually a civil matter that is resolved in civil court, while criminal fraud is a criminal offense that is addressed in criminal court.

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