What is the difference between a civil action and a criminal action?

In Texas, the main difference between a civil action and a criminal action is the result that each type of legal action produces. A civil action is a legal dispute between two or more parties in which money or other type of damages are sought. This type of action is usually filed by a private individual or entity, such as a company or an organization, and the result of the action is a judgment or settlement in favor of one of the parties. The purpose of a civil action is to compensate the party who was harmed by the other. On the other hand, a criminal action is a legal proceeding that is initiated and prosecuted by a government agency, typically a state or federal prosecutor. A criminal action often involves a formal accusation of an individual or individuals that are accused of committing a crime. The result of a criminal action is usually a judgment or sentence from a court, such as imprisonment or a fine. The purpose of a criminal action is to punish the individual who committed the crime and protect society from future criminal acts.

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